The sum of all cholesterol in your blood — LDL, HDL, and VLDL combined.
What is it
Total cholesterol is the combined concentration of cholesterol carried by all lipoprotein particles in circulation. It is the most familiar number on a standard cholesterol panel.
Why it's measured
Total cholesterol has been studied as a cardiovascular risk marker for decades. More recent research suggests it is most informative when paired with particle counts (like ApoB) and the LDL/HDL breakdown.
Reference range
Standard laboratory reference
< 200 mg/dL
Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Your individual reference range will appear on your test report and should be interpreted by your physician in the context of your overall health profile.
What results may indicate
Elevated
Has been associated with elevated cardiovascular risk in published research, particularly when paired with high LDL or low HDL.
Lower
Lower values are generally considered favorable, though context within the full lipid panel matters.
These associations are general. They are not a personal diagnosis or prediction. Discuss your individual results with your physician in the context of your full health profile.
When it's measured
Part of every standard cholesterol panel and routine physical.
Related markers
Common questions
Total cholesterol is the combined concentration of cholesterol carried by all lipoprotein particles in circulation. It is the most familiar number on a standard cholesterol panel.
It's one of the markers used to build a fuller picture of your health. On its own it tells you very little, so it's most informative when reviewed alongside related markers.
It's measured from a standard blood draw at Quest or LabCorp. Total Cholesterol is one of the markers included in the OPTML Apex Panel, where your results are read across systems and reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.
Reference ranges vary by laboratory, and a single value rarely tells the whole story. Review your result with a physician in the context of your other markers, symptoms, and history.
Total Cholesterol is one signal among many. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll point you to the panel that fits.
Measured in
A complete look at your heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and longevity systems — drawn at Quest or LabCorp, reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.
Explore the Apex Panel →This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Lab results alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition and do not replace the advice of a healthcare provider. OPTML does not offer medical advice, a diagnosis, medical treatment, or any form of medical opinion.