Determination of Serum Total Cholesterol

Abstract

Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) present in the body that can be measured in blood serum and blood plasma and exists as free and esterified form. Cholesterol is vital constituent of the cell membranes, bile, brain, and nerve cells and benefits the body to absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Cholesterol is also used in the formation of hormones such as cortisol, forms testosterone by the testicles, and forms estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries too. Normally it ranges from 150 to 200 mg/100 mL in adults. The level of cholesterol increases by 20-25% during pregnancy. The level of cholesterol increases in case of biliary obstruction, biliary cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, and pancreatic disease.Copyright © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020.