Which laboratory test is commonly used to assess cholesterol levels?

The lipid panel is a specific laboratory test designed to measure various types of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. This test provides critical information regarding an individual’s lipid profile, which includes total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Monitoring cholesterol levels is essential for assessing cardiovascular health and determining the risk of heart disease, making the lipid panel a vital tool in preventive health measures and the management of existing health conditions.

The other tests mentioned serve different purposes. A complete blood count evaluates overall health and detects a range of disorders, such as anemia and infection; a basic metabolic panel assesses electrolyte levels, kidney function, and blood glucose levels; whereas a thyroid function test measures how well the thyroid is working, which is unrelated to cholesterol levels. This distinguishes the lipid panel as the appropriate choice for specifically evaluating cholesterol levels.