--- title: Total Cholesterol Test type: biomarker url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/total-cholesterol" also_known_as: - cholesterol - total cholesterol - cholesterol, total category: Heart Health units: - mg/dL order_price_usd: 24.99 order_item: Lipid Panel order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/lipid-panel" reviewed_at: 2026-09-05 --- # Total Cholesterol > Total Cholesterol is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 125 – 200 mg/dL. At TestWell it's $24.99 all-in as Lipid Panel, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis. Also known as: cholesterol, total cholesterol, cholesterol, total. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Units | mg/dL | | Sample | Blood draw | | Fasting | 8–12 hours | | Results | 1–3 business days | | Price | $24.99 | | Labs | Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ | ## What does Total Cholesterol measure? The sum of all cholesterol types in your blood. One marker of cardiovascular risk. ## What is the normal range for Total Cholesterol? | Population | Reference range | | --- | --- | | age 18+ | 125 – 200 mg/dL | Reference intervals differ slightly between labs; the range printed on your report is the one to interpret against. Ranges are usually set so 95% of healthy people fall inside them. ## What does a high Total Cholesterol mean? Above 200 mg/dL is considered borderline high; above 240 mg/dL is high. Family history, diet, and activity all influence this. ## How do you get tested for Total Cholesterol? | Order | Type | Price | Includes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Lipid Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/lipid-panel) | Single test | $24.99 | This marker | | [General Wellness Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/general-wellness-panel) | Panel | $49.99 | 4 tests | | [Pre-Diabetes Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/pre-diabetes-panel) | Panel | $89.99 | 5 tests | | [Fatty Liver Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/fatty-liver-panel) | Panel | $92.99 | 6 tests | | [Heart Health Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/heart-health-panel) | Panel | $99.99 | 5 tests | ## Quest vs Labcorp vs BioReference | Lab | Available | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $24.99 | Choose Quest at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | Labcorp | Yes | $24.99 | Choose Labcorp at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $27.99 | New York and New Jersey orders route here automatically — state rules keep Quest and Labcorp from accepting self-ordered draws. | - [What a high Total Cholesterol means (causes, symptoms, next steps)](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/total-cholesterol/high) ## Common questions about Total Cholesterol ### Do I need a doctor's order to test my total cholesterol? No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor. ### How long does it take to get Total Cholesterol results? Most Total Cholesterol results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal. ### How much does a Total Cholesterol test cost? Our Lipid Panel starts at $24.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. ### Do I need to fast before my Total Cholesterol test? Yes — for the most accurate result, fast for 8–12 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine; coffee, food, and supplements are not. Your prep instructions will be included with your order. ### Which lab will process my Total Cholesterol test? Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations. ## Sources - [American Heart Association](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol) - [MedlinePlus (NIH) — Cholesterol Levels](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cholesterol-levels/) ## Related biomarkers - [HDL Cholesterol](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hdl-cholesterol) - [LDL Cholesterol](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ldl-cholesterol) - [Triglycerides](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/triglycerides) - [Non-HDL Cholesterol](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/non-hdl-cholesterol) - [VLDL Cholesterol](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/vldl-cholesterol) - [LDL/HDL Ratio](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ldl-hdl-ratio) - [Reference range lookup tool](https://www.test-well.com/tools/reference-range-lookup) - [Lab unit converter](https://www.test-well.com/tools/lab-unit-converter) - [All biomarkers](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers) --- Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-05. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/total-cholesterol Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.