How the Test is Performed

Adult or child:
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a tourniquet (an elastic band) or blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the tourniquet to distend (fill with blood). A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an airtight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the tourniquet is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

Infant or young child:
The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

The blood is analyzed by the laboratory to determine the levels of:

• triglycerides
• LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol
• HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol
• total cholesterol
• serum VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) cholesterol

How to Prepare for the Test

Fast for 6 to 8 hours before the test.

How the Test will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed

The coronary risk profile is most often performed:

• as a screening examination to determine the general health of the person
• when there is a history of heart disorders or other disorders related to atherosclerosis
• to determine the effect of diet and medications to control hypercholesterolemia

Ency. home > Test > C > Coronary risk profile

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