What type of specimen is needed for a lipid panel test?

A lipid panel test requires a fasting serum blood sample because it measures the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which can be significantly affected by recent food intake. Fasting (usually for at least 9-12 hours) ensures that the results accurately reflect the body’s baseline lipid levels without interference from recent dietary intake.

Using a fasting serum sample allows for a more reliable assessment of an individual's lipid profile, aiding in accurate medical evaluations and monitoring cardiovascular health. Other types of samples, such as urine or post-meal plasma samples, are not appropriate as they do not provide the necessary information on fasting lipid levels. Similarly, while a fingerstick can be used for some tests, it is not the standard method for lipid panels where serum is specifically required for the most accurate results.