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Cholesterol (Lipid Studies inc. HDL) Blood Test

$48.00 AUD

Want to understand your full cholesterol profile, not just a single number, so you can get a clearer picture of where your cardiovascular health actually stands?

Full lipid panel measuring total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and the total cholesterol/HDL ratio. Used for cardiovascular risk assessment. Requires a 10 to 12 hour fast.

Collection Location
Specimen Type

You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.

Private health tests

How It Works

Getting your health measured shouldn't be hard! We're here to help you every step of the way.

1
Order a test

Order a test

Order the private test that suits you and your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2
Collect the sample

Collect the sample

Attend one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Search locations.

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View all your lab results in your secure health dashboard. Easy!

Overview

A lipid panel, also called lipid studies or a cholesterol blood test, measures the key fat-related markers in your blood: total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and the total cholesterol to HDL ratio. Together, these markers give your practitioner the information needed to assess cardiovascular risk more accurately than a single total cholesterol number alone.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol away from artery walls and back to the liver for processing. Higher HDL is generally considered protective. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the primary driver of cholesterol deposition in artery walls and is the main target in cardiovascular risk reduction strategies. Triglycerides reflect dietary fat and carbohydrate intake, and elevated levels are associated with metabolic conditions and increased cardiovascular risk.

This test is appropriate for anyone wanting a baseline cholesterol check, people with a family history of heart disease, those already managing cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and anyone monitoring how lifestyle changes or medication are affecting their lipid profile. Australian cardiovascular risk calculators use the full lipid panel rather than total cholesterol in isolation.

Fasting for 10 to 12 hours before the test is required because triglycerides rise significantly after eating, which also affects the calculated LDL value. Water is fine during the fasting period, and an early morning appointment after an overnight fast is the most practical approach. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test, as it can raise triglycerides substantially.

Your health professional will interpret the lipid panel alongside your age, blood pressure, smoking history, and other cardiovascular risk factors to give you a complete risk picture. A single lipid result is a starting point. How aggressively your practitioner manages any abnormalities depends on your overall risk profile, not just individual numbers.

Symptoms

This test is used to assess your cardiovascular risk by examining your full cholesterol profile. It's appropriate for people wanting a baseline check, those with a family history of heart disease, or anyone monitoring how diet, exercise, or medication is affecting their lipid levels.

Questions

  • Fasting is required because triglycerides rise significantly after eating, which would make your result unrepresentative of your baseline levels. LDL is also calculated from triglycerides in most standard assays, so fasting affects that figure too.
  • HDL (high-density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol back to the liver for processing and is considered protective. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) can deposit cholesterol in artery walls and is the primary target in cardiovascular risk reduction.
  • Generally yes, but check with your prescribing practitioner. Some medications are best taken after the blood draw if you're assessing your treated versus untreated levels.
  • A single meal doesn't dramatically shift most cholesterol markers, but dietary patterns over weeks and months do. Triglycerides respond more quickly to recent diet and alcohol intake.
  • For most adults, every 1-5 years is standard depending on your risk profile. If you're making lifestyle changes, on cholesterol-lowering medication, or managing cardiovascular risk factors, your GP may recommend more frequent monitoring.

Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

7 Biomarkers Tested

How to prepare

Fast for 10-12 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine. In fact, staying hydrated helps with the blood draw. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your test, as it can raise triglycerides significantly. Book an early morning appointment so you can eat breakfast straight after. Take regular medications as normal unless your practitioner advises otherwise.

After the test

Share your full lipid panel with your health professional. They'll assess it alongside your age, blood pressure, smoking history, and other cardiovascular risk factors to give you a complete risk picture. Australian cardiovascular risk calculators use the full panel, not just total cholesterol.

Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.

Understanding results

- Total cholesterol below 5.5 mmol/L is generally the target for adults in Australia.
- LDL is the primary target for cardiovascular risk reduction. Lower is generally better, with targets varying by individual risk profile.
- HDL should be higher rather than lower. It's protective against cardiovascular disease.
- Triglycerides ideally sit below 1.7 mmol/L fasting. Elevated triglycerides can signal metabolic issues or excess dietary sugar and refined carbohydrates.
- Total/HDL ratio below 4.5 is generally considered favourable.

Testimonials

What Our Customers Say

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Adam O. ACT

Simple health checks in my control

I didn't know that private blood tests were an option. Tried this platform as the packages suited what I wanted for a good price. Easy to follow instructions, and super quick results. Platform provides more information than my gp's ever have on the tests and what the results meant. Would like more clinics to be able to test at (specifically Capital Pathology) but there is a decent network. Will continue to use.

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Wayne S. NSW

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.

If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.

Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)

Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.

They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.

Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.