Lipid profile test: cholesterol check, fasting and what it shows
Medically reviewed by Dr. N. S. Santosh Varma, MBBS, FIM, FIDM, FICCM · Reg. APMC/FMR 112686 · Updated 5 Oct 2026
A lipid profile measures the fats in your blood: total cholesterol, HDL (the 'good' cholesterol), LDL (the 'bad' cholesterol), VLDL and triglycerides. Doctors use it to judge your risk of heart disease and stroke. Labs usually ask you to fast for 10 to 12 hours before the sample; plain water is fine. YIRA's checkup reports 9 lipid values.
- SampleBlood
- FastingUsually 10–12 hours
- Parameters9 in YIRA's checkup
- WhereHome collection
What the Lipid profile test measures
The lipid profile in the YIRA checkup reports 9 values.
Cholesterol
- Cholesterol Total
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- VLDL Cholesterol
- Non-HDL Cholesterol
Triglycerides
- Triglycerides
Ratios
- Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
- LDL / HDL Ratio
- HDL / LDL Ratio
Why doctors ask for it
- Routine heart-health screening for adults
- A family history of heart disease or high cholesterol
- Diabetes, high blood pressure or excess weight
- Checking how well diet, exercise or medicines are working
How to prepare
- Fast for 10 to 12 hours before the sample, unless your doctor or the lab says otherwise. Plain water is fine.
- Avoid alcohol and very fatty meals the day before.
- Take your regular medicines unless your doctor tells you not to; tell the collector about them.
Understanding your report
Each value on your report is printed next to the lab's reference range. A value outside the range is marked high or low. One out-of-range value does not always mean a problem: results can change with recent illness, food, medicines or hydration. Your doctor reads the values together with your health history and may repeat the test or ask for more. Every YIRA plan includes a doctor consultation to go through your report.
70-test checkup at home, from ₹999 a year for the family
Essential ₹999 (up to 4 people) · Complete ₹1,299 (up to 8 people, with ₹5 lakh accident cover). Doctor consultation, dental and eye check-ups included. Pay after sample collection.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast for a lipid profile test?
Labs usually ask for 10 to 12 hours of fasting so triglyceride values are accurate. Plain water is fine. Our team confirms the exact instructions when your home collection slot is booked.
What is the difference between HDL and LDL?
HDL is often called 'good' cholesterol because it helps carry cholesterol away from the arteries. LDL is called 'bad' cholesterol because high levels can build up in the artery walls. Your doctor looks at both, plus triglycerides and your other risk factors.
How often should I check my cholesterol?
It depends on your age, family history and health conditions. Many adults check it as part of a yearly checkup; your doctor may advise more often if you have risk factors.
Can I get a lipid profile test at home?
Yes. The lipid profile is part of the 70-test checkup in every YIRA Family Health Plan, with home sample collection. Plans start at ₹999 a year for up to 4 people.
Related
Medically reviewed by Dr. N. S. Santosh Varma (MBBS, FIM, FIDM, FICCM; APMC/FMR 112686). Prepared by the YIRA health team · Last updated 1 October 2026. This page is general health information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges differ between labs; always discuss your results with a doctor. In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.