---
title: Lipid Panel Test
type: test
id: lipid-panel
url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/lipid-panel"
price_usd: 24.99
lab_fee_usd: 6
all_in_usd: 30.99
cpt: 80061
category: Heart Health
sample: Blood draw
fasting_required: true
results_in: "1–3 business days"
labs:
  - Quest
  - Labcorp
  - BioReference
orderable: true
reviewed_at: 2026-09-14
order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/cart?add=lipid-panel&utm_source=ai_agent&utm_medium=markdown"
---

# Lipid Panel Test

> Lipid Panel measures Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol and LDL Cholesterol (calculated) plus 1 more from a standard blood draw. At TestWell it costs $24.99 plus a $6 lab fee, requires an 8–12 hour fast, and results post in 1–3 business days. Physician-authorized with no doctor's visit or insurance needed; draw at Quest or Labcorp.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Price | $24.99 + $6 lab processing fee per order ($30.99 all-in for this test alone) |
| CPT code | 80061 |
| Sample | Blood draw |
| Fasting | Yes — 8–12 hours |
| Results | 1–3 business days |
| Labs | Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, BioReference (NY & NJ) |
| Biomarkers measured | 4 |
| Physician authorization | Included — no doctor's visit, referral or insurance needed |
| Payment | Card, HSA or FSA; cash-pay only (no insurance billing) |

## What does the Lipid Panel test tell you?

Measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides to assess your cardiovascular risk.

The standard Lipid Panel measures four key blood fats that determine your cardiovascular risk. High LDL ('bad' cholesterol) and triglycerides increase your risk of heart disease, while high HDL ('good' cholesterol) is protective. This test is recommended every 4–6 years for healthy adults and more frequently if you have risk factors.

**Clinical use:** Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. The standard cardiovascular-risk screening test recommended every 4-6 years for adults under 40 and annually for adults over 40.

## Who should order it?

Adults 20+ with any cardiovascular risk factors, family history of heart disease, anyone on or considering statins, GLP-1 patients monitoring metabolic shifts, anyone starting a new diet or exercise program.

## Biomarkers measured

- [Total Cholesterol](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/total-cholesterol)
- [HDL Cholesterol](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hdl-cholesterol)
- [LDL Cholesterol (calculated)](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ldl-cholesterol)
- [Triglycerides](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/triglycerides)

## Price by lab

| Lab | Test price | All-in (with $6 fee) | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Quest Diagnostics | $24.99 | $30.99 | Choose at checkout; walk-in patient service centers nationwide (not NY/NJ) |
| Labcorp | $24.99 | $30.99 | Choose at checkout; walk-in patient service centers nationwide (not NY/NJ) |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | $27.99 | $33.99 | New York and New Jersey orders route here automatically |

Rhode Island is not served. Prices are identical online and in the lab; no draw fee or physician fee is added.

## How much does a Lipid Panel test cost?

A Lipid Panel test costs $24.99 at TestWell — $30.99 all-in when ordered alone, because the $6 lab processing fee is charged once per order, with no draw fee or physician fee added. Ordered directly from the labs' own consumer sites, the same test lists at $59.00 at Quest Health and $59.00 at Labcorp OnDemand (list prices checked Sep 12, 2026). Hospital outpatient labs typically bill around $150.00 self-pay for the same test, and often more. With insurance, what you pay depends on your deductible and your plan's negotiated rate; TestWell's price is fixed before the draw and is HSA/FSA-eligible.

| Where you order | Price | One test, all-in | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| TestWell (drawn at Quest or Labcorp) | $24.99 | $30.99 | Includes the one $6 lab processing fee, charged once per order |
| Quest Health (Quest Diagnostics' own site) | $59.00 | $59.00 | [list price checked 2026-09-12](https://www.questhealth.com/product/cholesterol-lipid-panel/94355M.html) |
| Labcorp OnDemand (Labcorp's own site) | $59.00 | $59.00 | [list price checked 2026-09-12](https://www.ondemand.labcorp.com/lab-tests/cholesterol-test-lipid-panel) |
| Hospital outpatient lab, self-pay (typical) | $150.00 | $150.00 | Reference figure; hospital charges vary widely by facility and are often higher |

Lab test codes: Quest test code 7600 · Labcorp test no. 303756 · BioReference code 0009-1.

## How do you prepare?

Fasting for 9–12 hours is recommended for accurate triglyceride and LDL results. Water is okay.

## Related conditions

- [Cardiovascular disease risk](https://www.test-well.com/conditions/heart-disease-risk)
- Hyperlipidemia (E78.5)
- Coronary artery disease (I25.10)
- Metabolic syndrome (E88.81)

## Is the Lipid Panel worth it?

> Yes - a lipid panel is the core cardiovascular screening test and is worth it every 4-6 years for healthy adults, more often with risk factors. It is cheap, fast, and directly informs heart-disease risk and statin decisions.

### Worth it if you…

- Adults over 40, or younger with a family history of early heart disease
- Anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or who smokes
- People on a statin or diet change tracking whether LDL is responding
- Anyone who wants a baseline cardiovascular risk number

### You can probably wait if you…

- You had a normal panel recently and have no new risk factors
- You need deeper risk detail - consider adding [ApoB](https://www.test-well.com/tests/apolipoprotein-b) or [Lp(a)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/lp-a-hereditary-heart-risk-test) instead of repeating a basic panel

### At home or in the lab?

At-home collection is available. A standard lipid panel is a venous draw at Quest or Labcorp, or an at-home mobile draw where available. Traditionally you fasted 9-12 hours, but most guidelines now accept non-fasting lipid testing for routine screening; fast only if your provider specifically asks or you are tracking triglycerides closely.

### How do you read the results?

| Result | Typical adult range | What an out-of-range value can mean |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LDL cholesterol | Under 100 mg/dL optimal | The 'bad' cholesterol; higher levels raise heart-disease risk. Targets are lower (under 70) if you already have heart disease or diabetes. |
| HDL cholesterol | 40+ (men) / 50+ (women) mg/dL | The 'good' cholesterol; higher is protective, low HDL raises risk. |
| Triglycerides | Under 150 mg/dL | High levels track with insulin resistance, excess alcohol, refined carbs, and metabolic risk. |
| Total cholesterol | Under 200 mg/dL | A summary number; interpret alongside LDL, HDL, and triglycerides rather than on its own. |

_This section medically reviewed; last reviewed 2026-06-20._

## Common questions about the Lipid Panel test

### Is a lipid panel the same as a cholesterol test?

Yes. 'Cholesterol test', 'cholesterol panel', 'lipid profile' and 'lipid panel' all refer to the same blood test: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides from one draw. A stand-alone total cholesterol test exists but is rarely ordered, because the breakdown into LDL and HDL is what actually guides heart-risk decisions.

### What's included in a Lipid Panel?

Total cholesterol, LDL ('bad' cholesterol), HDL ('good' cholesterol), and triglycerides. The panel also calculates non-HDL cholesterol and the total/HDL ratio — both useful for cardiovascular risk stratification.

### Do I need to fast for a Lipid Panel?

Yes — 9-12 hours of fasting (water only) gives the most accurate triglyceride reading. LDL and HDL are less affected by recent meals, but most clinicians still recommend fasting so all four numbers are reliable in one draw.

### What lipid numbers should I aim for?

General targets: Total under 200 mg/dL, LDL under 100, HDL above 40 (men) or 50 (women), triglycerides under 150. Personalized targets depend on overall cardiovascular risk — people with existing heart disease often target LDL under 70.

### How much does a Lipid Panel cost without insurance?

On TestWell, the Lipid Panel is $24.99. Quest Direct lists the same test at $59, walk-in hospital labs typically bill $120-150 without insurance. Same CLIA-certified labs, same biomarkers — TestWell just removes the markup.

### What is the CPT code for a Lipid Panel?

The CPT code for a standard Lipid Panel is 80061. This single code bills all four components (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides). The expanded [Advanced Lipid Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/advanced-lipid-panel) uses additional CPT codes for ApoB and direct LDL.

### Should I add ApoB to my lipid panel?

Many cardiologists now consider [ApoB](https://www.test-well.com/tests/apolipoprotein-b) the single best predictor of heart attack risk — better than LDL alone. Two people with identical LDL can have very different ApoB and very different risk. Our [Heart Health Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/heart-health-panel) includes both at a discount.

### Can I get a Lipid Panel at LabCorp or Quest near me?

Yes — the Lipid Panel is available at both Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp patient service centers nationwide. After you order on TestWell, pick whichever lab you prefer and we'll generate a digital requisition for any of their walk-in locations.

### How often should I retest my lipids?

Every 4-6 years for healthy adults under 40; annually after 40 or if you have risk factors. Every 3-6 months when starting or adjusting statin therapy. Every 3 months on a major diet or weight-loss intervention.

### Do I have to fast for a lipid panel?

Not usually anymore. Major guidelines now accept non-fasting lipid panels for routine screening, and total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL are stable either way. Triglycerides rise after eating, so if triglycerides are the focus - or your provider asks - fast 9-12 hours (water and medications are fine).

### Is a basic lipid panel enough, or do I need advanced testing?

A standard lipid panel is enough for most people's first look. If you have a strong family history, borderline results, or normal cholesterol but ongoing concern, adding [ApoB](https://www.test-well.com/tests/apolipoprotein-b) (particle count) and [Lp(a)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/lp-a-hereditary-heart-risk-test) (an inherited risk marker checked once in a lifetime) gives a sharper risk picture.

### Can I order a cholesterol test at home without a doctor?

Yes. You can order online through TestWell without a doctor's visit; the draw happens at Quest or Labcorp, or at home via a mobile phlebotomist where available. Results are physician-authorized and shareable with any provider.

## How to order

1. Add to cart: https://www.test-well.com/cart?add=lipid-panel&utm_source=ai_agent&utm_medium=markdown
2. Create an account or sign in, confirm your state and preferred lab, pay by card, HSA or FSA.
3. A licensed physician authorizes the order (usually within minutes); the requisition arrives by email.
4. Walk into any Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, BioReference (NY & NJ) patient service center — no appointment needed at most sites.
5. Results post to your TestWell portal in 1–3 business days with reference ranges and flags.

## Related

- [Blood Tests to Get at 40](https://www.test-well.com/guides/blood-tests-at-40)
- [Advanced Heart Health Blood Tests: Beyond Cholesterol](https://www.test-well.com/guides/advanced-heart-health-blood-tests)
- [Affordable Blood Tests](https://www.test-well.com/guides/affordable-blood-tests)
- [Fatty Liver Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/fatty-liver-panel) — 6 tests · $92.99
- [General Wellness Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/general-wellness-panel) — 4 tests · $49.99
- [Heart Health Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/heart-health-panel) — 5 tests · $99.99
- [Advanced Cholesterol Particle Test (NMR)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/nmr-lipoprofile) — $70.99
- [ApoE Genotype (Cardiovascular Risk)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/apoe-genotype-cardio) — $133.99
- [Fibrinogen Activity](https://www.test-well.com/tests/fibrinogen-test) — $22.99
- [Homocysteine](https://www.test-well.com/tests/homocysteine) — $27.99
- [Lp(a) Hereditary Heart Risk Test](https://www.test-well.com/tests/lipoprotein-a) — $34.99
- [All Heart Health tests](https://www.test-well.com/tests/category/heart-health)
- [Full test directory](https://www.test-well.com/tests/directory)

---

Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-14. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md

Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/tests/lipid-panel
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.