Ulta Lab Tests

Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Panel

Blood
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Apolipoprotein B

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Also known as: A1c, Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycohemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, HA1c, HbA1c, Hemoglobin A1c, Hemoglobin A1c HgbA1C, Hgb A1c

Hemoglobin A1c

The A1c test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months. It does this by measuring the concentration of glycated (also often called glycosylated) hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin is an oxygen-transporting protein found inside red blood cells (RBCs). There are several types of normal hemoglobin, but the predominant form – about 95-98% – is hemoglobin A. As glucose circulates in the blood, some of it spontaneously binds to hemoglobin A. The hemoglobin molecules with attached glucose are called glycated hemoglobin. The higher the concentration of glucose in the blood, the more glycated hemoglobin is formed. Once the glucose binds to the hemoglobin, it remains there for the life of the red blood cell – normally about 120 days. The predominant form of glycated hemoglobin is referred to as HbA1c or A1c. A1c is produced on a daily basis and slowly cleared from the blood as older RBCs die and younger RBCs (with non-glycated hemoglobin) take their place. This test is used to monitor treatment in someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. It helps to evaluate how well their glucose levels have been controlled by treatment over time. This test may be used to screen for and diagnose diabetes or risk of developing diabetes. In 2010, clinical practice guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) stated that A1c may be added to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as an option for diabetes screening and diagnosis. For monitoring purposes, an A1c of less than 7% indicates good glucose control and a lower risk of diabetic complications for the majority of diabetics. However, in 2012, the ADA and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) issued a position statement recommending that the management of glucose control in type 2 diabetes be more "patient-centered." Data from recent studies have shown that low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause complications and that people with risk of severe hypoglycemia, underlying health conditions, complications, and a limited life expectancy do not necessarily benefit from having a stringent goal of less than 7% for their A1c. The statement recommends that people work closely with their doctor to select a goal that reflects each person's individual health status and that balances risks and benefits.

Also known as: LFTs, Liver Function Tests, Liver Panel

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Alt

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Direct

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bilirubin, Indirect

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bilirubin, Total

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Protein, Total

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.

Also known as: C-Reactive Protein, Cardio CRP, Cardio hs-CRP, CRP, High Sensitivity CRP, High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein, High-sensitivity CRP, Highly Sensitive CRP, hsCRP, Ultra-sensitive CRP

Hs Crp

A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test may be used by itself, in combination with other cardiac risk markers, or in combination with a lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) test that evaluates vascular inflammation. The hs-CRP test accurately detects low concentrations of C-reactive protein to help predict a healthy person's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High-sensitivity CRP is promoted by some as a test for determining a person's risk level for CVD, heart attacks, and strokes. The current thinking is that hs-CRP can play a role in the evaluation process before a person develops one of these health problems.

Also known as: Cholesterol, HDL,Fasting Lipids,Cholesterol, LDL, Fasting Lipids, Lipid Panel (fasting), Lipid Profile (fasting), Lipids

Chol/HDLC Ratio

Cholesterol, Total

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol

LDL-Cholesterol

Non HDL Cholesterol

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body. This test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Most triglycerides are found in fat (adipose) tissue, but some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. After a person eats, an increased level of triglycerides is found in the blood as the body converts the energy not needed right away into fat. Triglycerides move via the blood from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. In between meals, triglycerides are released from fat tissue to be used as an energy source for the body. Most triglycerides are carried in the blood by lipoproteins called very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), although the reason for this is not well understood. Certain factors can contribute to high triglyceride levels and to risk of CVD, including lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking cigarettes, consuming excess alcohol, and medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
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The Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Panel panel contains 6 tests with 20 biomarkers .

Overview of the Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Panel

The Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Panel is a targeted diagnostic tool designed to evaluate how dietary cholesterol and saturated fat intake may impact cardiovascular and metabolic health. This panel provides a comprehensive assessment of lipid status, inflammation, liver function, and blood sugar control—all of which are critical for determining an individual's risk of developing heart disease, atherosclerosis, or metabolic syndrome.

While moderate consumption of cholesterol and saturated fat may not pose significant health risks for everyone, individuals with certain metabolic profiles, genetic predispositions, or lifestyle factors may experience negative effects such as elevated LDL cholesterol, increased ApoB particle counts, or heightened systemic inflammation. The Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Panel helps uncover these risk factors by evaluating key biomarkers that influence cardiovascular health and fat metabolism.

When and Why the Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Panel May Be Ordered

Healthcare providers may recommend the Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Panel for individuals who:

  • Consume diets high in cholesterol or saturated fat and want to assess their impact on health

  • Have a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or stroke

  • Show elevated LDL cholesterol or triglycerides on prior tests

  • Have metabolic risk factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, or diabetes

  • Experience unexplained fatigue, weight gain, or liver enzyme elevations

  • Are interested in developing a personalized dietary strategy for cardiovascular risk reduction

This panel is especially useful for people transitioning to diets that include higher amounts of saturated fat (e.g., ketogenic or low-carb diets) to determine whether such dietary patterns are compatible with their individual health profile.

What the Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Panel Checks For

The Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Panel includes six essential tests that evaluate lipid metabolism, inflammation, blood sugar control, and liver health. Each marker provides critical insight into how saturated fat and cholesterol intake may influence overall cardiovascular and metabolic function.

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)

ApoB is a protein present in all atherogenic lipoproteins, including LDL, IDL, and VLDL particles. Elevated ApoB levels indicate a higher number of cholesterol-rich particles circulating in the bloodstream, which can penetrate arterial walls and contribute to plaque formation. ApoB is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease risk than LDL cholesterol alone, making it essential for assessing the true impact of saturated fat intake on heart health.

Glucose

Fasting glucose measures blood sugar levels at a single point in time. Chronic elevation of fasting glucose indicates impaired carbohydrate metabolism or early insulin resistance. Elevated glucose is a major contributor to metabolic syndrome and increases cardiovascular risk, particularly when combined with high saturated fat intake.

Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1C)

Hemoglobin A1c provides an average measure of blood glucose control over the past 2–3 months. High A1C levels suggest chronic hyperglycemia, which accelerates oxidative stress and arterial damage, compounding the risk associated with elevated cholesterol or ApoB.

Hepatic Function Panel

This test evaluates liver enzymes and proteins such as ALT, AST, bilirubin, and albumin. The liver plays a critical role in cholesterol synthesis and fat metabolism, so monitoring liver health is essential when dietary fat intake is increased. Abnormal results may indicate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or impaired fat processing.

hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)

hs-CRP is a highly sensitive marker of systemic inflammation. Elevated hs-CRP is associated with atherosclerosis and plaque instability, increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular events. Even with normal cholesterol levels, inflammation detected by hs-CRP may indicate an elevated risk when combined with high saturated fat consumption.

Lipid Panel

The lipid panel provides foundational data, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol), HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol), and triglycerides. These values help determine how saturated fat intake influences lipid balance. For example, diets high in saturated fat may increase LDL cholesterol, while also affecting triglyceride and HDL levels, which are crucial for cardiovascular health assessment.

How Healthcare Professionals Use the Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Panel Results

Healthcare providers use the Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Panel to develop personalized dietary and lifestyle recommendations that align with an individual's metabolic and cardiovascular risk profile. For example:

  • Elevated ApoB or LDL cholesterol may indicate a need to limit saturated fat intake, increase fiber, or consider cholesterol-lowering strategies.

  • High glucose or A1C levels signal insulin resistance, requiring carbohydrate management and lifestyle modifications to reduce overall metabolic stress.

  • Abnormal liver enzymes may lead to reducing saturated fat intake or adopting dietary interventions to prevent fatty liver disease.

  • Elevated hs-CRP calls for anti-inflammatory strategies, including increasing omega-3 intake, improving diet quality, and addressing lifestyle stressors.

  • Lipid panel results guide clinicians on whether the patient’s cholesterol ratios and triglyceride levels are improving or worsening with dietary changes.

This data-driven approach ensures that patients receive individualized guidance, avoiding one-size-fits-all recommendations and instead focusing on the unique interplay between diet, metabolism, and heart health.

Conclusion

The Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Panel provides a thorough assessment of the biomarkers most affected by dietary cholesterol and saturated fat intake. By evaluating ApoB, traditional lipids, blood sugar control, liver function, and inflammation, this panel equips patients and clinicians with actionable insights to make informed dietary decisions and reduce cardiovascular risk. Whether you follow a standard diet or a high-fat approach, this panel ensures you have the data needed to protect your heart and optimize long-term health.

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