Your Care Instructions

Cholesterol and triglycerides tests measure the amount of fats in your child's blood. This includes "good" (HDL) and "bad" (LDL) cholesterol.

Why are these tests done?

These tests are done to find out if the amount of fats in your child's blood is high.

How do you prepare for these tests?

If your doctor wants your child to fast before their blood test, do not give your child anything to eat, chew, or drink other than small amounts of water for at least 12 hours before the test.

If your child has diabetes and needs to fast for the blood test, do not give your child anything to eat, chew, or drink other than small amounts of water for at least 8 hours before their blood test.

Fasting for this type of blood test means not having anything to eat, chew, or drink other than small amounts of water. Your child can take any prescription medicines they need.

Be sure to tell your doctor about all the over-the-counter and prescription medicines your child takes. And be sure to tell the doctor about any natural health products your child takes. Some of these may affect the results of these tests.

How are these tests done?

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

What should your child's cholesterol levels be?

Below are general guidelines. They are for children between the ages of 2 and 19. Talk to your doctor about your child's target levels. They may vary depending on your child's age, gender, health, and risk for certain health problems. Your child's doctor may recommend the following levels:

• Total cholesterol: Lower than 4.4 mmol/L
• LDL cholesterol: Lower than 2.8 mmol/L

The goal numbers for HDL cholesterol and triglycerides can depend on your child's age and gender.