Cholesterol and Triglycerides Tests: About Your Child's Tests

Overview

Cholesterol and triglycerides tests are blood tests that measure the amount of lipids (fats and fatty substances) in your child's blood. Lipids include cholesterol, triglycerides, and "good" (HDL) and "bad" (LDL) lipoprotein.

Why are these tests done?

These tests are done to measure the amount of lipids—fats and fatty substances—in your child's blood.

How do you prepare for these tests?

• Not eating or drinking (fasting) before the blood test is not usually needed, but it may be recommended. Your doctor may ask that your child fast except for drinking water for 8 hours before the test. In most cases, your child can take medicines with water on the morning of the test.
• Tell the doctor all the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies your child takes. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the test and how soon to do it. Some of these may affect the results of this test.

How are these tests done?

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

What should your child's cholesterol levels be?

These are general guidelines. They are for children from the ages of 2 to 19. Talk to your doctor about your child's target levels. They may vary depending on your child's age, sex, health, and risk for certain health problems. Your child's doctor may recommend the following levels:

• Total cholesterol: Lower than 170 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol: Lower than 110 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol: Higher than 45 mg/dL
• Triglycerides:
  • Age 0 to 9 years: Lower than 75 mg/dL
  • Age 10 to 19 years: Lower than 90 mg/dL