Circulating cholesterol measure
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High-quality testing run in a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited lab in Santa Clara, California.
About Total Cholesterol
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About Total Cholesterol
Overview and History
Cholesterol is a sterol synthesized primarily in the liver and obtained from dietary sources. In blood, it is transported inside lipoprotein particles (HDL, LDL, VLDL); “total cholesterol” is the sum of cholesterol content across these carriers and is typically measured by standardized enzymatic assays.
Epidemiologic studies in the mid-20th century highlighted relationships between circulating cholesterol levels and cardiovascular outcomes, which led to widespread clinical testing. Biologically, cholesterol supports cell membrane structure and is a precursor for steroid hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D; blood levels reflect the balance of synthesis, dietary intake, transport, and clearance.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
Higher total cholesterol often reflects greater cholesterol carried in circulating lipoproteins and can be associated with dietary patterns, altered lipoprotein production or clearance, genetic lipid disorders, insulin resistance, or certain endocrine and inflammatory states. Lower total cholesterol levels may be seen with inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, some liver disorders, hyperthyroidism, chronic inflammation, or specific genetic and medication effects. Interpretation is most informative when considered alongside advanced lipids (LDL, HDL, triglycerides, ApoB), inflammatory markers, liver tests, and metabolic measures within the full panel.
Featured Test
Total cholesterol is included in the Foundation Zoomer’s Metabolic Cardiovascular domain to provide a baseline measure of lipid burden. Paired with advanced lipid fractions, inflammatory markers, and metabolic measures, it helps clinicians identify systemic patterns and prioritize personalized follow-up testing and lifestyle planning.
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We’re the leading provider of specialty wellness lab testing because we develop our testing with rigorous, ongoing research by top clinical experts, doctors, and scientists.
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The gold standard of accuracy in the lab industry
Our tests run on a proprietary 3Dense microchip technology platform that boasts unrivaled specificity and sensitivity. While most other labs carry only CLIA certification, we're CAP-accredited by the College of American Pathologists.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
Suzanne Barker
MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator
Suzette Garcia
MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
Brooke Mader Ganev
MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator
Adair Anderson
MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
Lillie Luu Nguyen
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
Emaline Brown
ND- Clinical Educator
Dana Filatova
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
