CHOLESTEROL TOTAL (FLUID)

Serum cholesterol is elevated in the hereditary hyperlipoproteinemias and in various other metabolic diseases. Moderate-to-markedly elevated values are also seen in cholestatic liver disease. Low levels of cholesterol can be seen in disorders that include hyperthyroidism, malabsorption, and deficiencies of apolipoproteins. The National Lipid Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) have set the following guidelines for total cholesterol: Desirable: <200 mg/dL Borderline high: 200 to 239 mg/dL High: > or =240 mg/dL.