Differential Diagnosis
Elevated total cholesterol
Elevated LDL cholesterol
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Decreased HDL cholesterol
Increased fasting triglyceride
Suggested Additional Lab Testing
Total cholesterol level
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Can be performed on serum or plasma
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Can be obtained fasting or non-fasting
HDL cholesterol
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Can be performed on serum or plasma
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Can be obtained fasting or non-fasting
LDL cholesterol level
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Pt must be fasting if the LDL cholesterol is obtained by calculation, because the calculation involves the measurement of triglyceride, which is affected by dietary fat intake.
Triglyceride level
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Can be obtained from serum or plasma
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Fasting level is relevant; non-fasting levels are rarely clinically useful.
Tests to assess underlying cause of increased cholesterol or triglyceride levels if the cause for the elevation is not excess dietary intake of fat
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Amylase and lipase measurements for pancreatitis
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Thyroid function tests
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Renal function tests, particularly to diagnose nephrotic syndrome, which can increase the triglyceride level
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