Ulta Lab Tests

Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Plus 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.

HDL P

HDL SIZE

LARGE HDL P

LARGE VLDL P

LDL P

LDL SIZE

SMALL LDL P

VLDL SIZE

ARACHIDONIC ACID

ARACHIDONIC ACID/EPA

DHA

DPA

EPA

EPA+DPA+DHA

LINOLEIC ACID

OMEGA-3 TOTAL

OMEGA-6 TOTAL

OMEGA-6/OMEGA-3 RATIO

Also known as: ,25-Hydroxyvitamin D2, 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3), 25-OH-D2,D3 Vitamin, D2 Vitamin,25-Hydroxyvitamin D3,25-OH-D3, QuestAssureD 25Hydroxyvitamin D D2 D3 LCMSMS, Vitamin D, Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy, Vitamin D2, 25-hydroxy,25-Hydroxyergocalciferol (25OHD2),Vitamin D3, 25-hydroxy

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, Total

Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The chemical structures of the types of vitamin D are slightly different, and they are named vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, which comes from plants) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, which comes from animals). The D2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. Vitamin D2 and D3 are equally effective when they are converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.
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The Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Plus Panel panel contains 9 tests with 39 biomarkers .

The Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Plus Panel is an advanced cardiovascular health assessment designed to provide a deeper understanding of how dietary cholesterol and saturated fat affect your body. This comprehensive panel goes beyond standard cholesterol tests to include Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), advanced lipoprotein particle analysis, inflammatory markers, omega-3 fatty acid balance, liver function, and vitamin D levels. These factors collectively determine your risk for heart disease, atherosclerosis, and metabolic dysfunction.

Saturated fat and cholesterol can impact individuals differently depending on genetics, metabolism, and overall health. While some people tolerate higher intake well, others experience elevated LDL particles, systemic inflammation, and impaired glucose control—all contributing to cardiovascular risk. The Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Plus Panel identifies these personalized risk factors to help you and your healthcare provider create a targeted nutrition and lifestyle plan.

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

Healthcare professionals recommend the Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Plus Panel for individuals who:

  • Consume diets high in saturated fat or cholesterol, such as ketogenic or low-carb diets

  • Want to monitor the impact of dietary changes on heart health

  • Have elevated LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, or a family history of heart disease

  • Show risk factors for metabolic syndrome, including obesity or insulin resistance

  • Are concerned about inflammation and nutrient deficiencies that influence cardiovascular risk

  • Need a more detailed assessment after standard lipid panel results appear borderline or high

This panel is particularly valuable for people seeking personalized dietary recommendations and advanced insight into their cardiovascular risk beyond basic cholesterol testing.

What the Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Plus Panel Checks For

The Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Plus Panel includes advanced markers that assess lipid quality, particle size, inflammation, blood sugar, liver function, omega-3 balance, and vitamin D status—all essential for heart health. Below is an in-depth look at each test:

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)

ApoB is a structural protein found on LDL and other atherogenic lipoproteins. High ApoB levels reflect a greater number of cholesterol-carrying particles capable of penetrating arterial walls, significantly increasing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. Unlike LDL cholesterol alone, ApoB provides a direct measure of particle count, making it one of the most accurate predictors of heart disease.

Glucose

Fasting glucose measures blood sugar at a single point in time. Elevated glucose indicates impaired insulin sensitivity or prediabetes, which accelerates vascular damage and increases the harmful effects of high saturated fat intake on cardiovascular health.

Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1C)

A1c reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. Elevated A1c suggests chronic hyperglycemia, which promotes inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to heart disease risk.

Hepatic Function Panel

This panel measures liver enzymes and proteins that indicate liver health. The liver regulates cholesterol synthesis and fat metabolism, so impaired liver function can exacerbate lipid abnormalities, especially in individuals consuming diets high in saturated fat.

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

hs-CRP detects low-grade systemic inflammation, a major driver of atherosclerosis and plaque instability. Elevated hs-CRP signals increased cardiovascular risk even when cholesterol levels are within normal range, making it a critical marker for comprehensive heart health evaluation.

Lipid Panel

The lipid panel provides total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. These values establish a foundational understanding of cholesterol balance, but when paired with ApoB and advanced lipoprotein analysis, they offer a clearer picture of cardiovascular risk.

Lipoprotein Fractionation, NMR

This advanced test uses Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology to measure LDL particle number (LDL-P) and size. Small, dense LDL particles are more atherogenic than large, buoyant particles, meaning they penetrate arterial walls more easily. This test helps determine whether elevated LDL is due to harmful particle patterns, which standard lipid tests cannot reveal.

OmegaCheck

OmegaCheck measures omega-3 fatty acid levels and the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. A higher omega-3 index is associated with reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular health, while imbalanced ratios can promote chronic inflammation and heart disease.

Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy, Total, Immunoassay

Vitamin D plays a key role in immune regulation, inflammation control, and overall cardiovascular health. Deficiency is linked to increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and higher heart disease risk.

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

The Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Plus Panel enables healthcare providers to create data-driven, personalized strategies for improving heart health and managing the effects of dietary fat intake. For example:

  • Elevated ApoB or LDL-P may lead to recommendations for reducing saturated fat, increasing fiber, or considering cholesterol-lowering therapies.

  • High hs-CRP prompts anti-inflammatory interventions, such as improving omega-3 intake and adopting an anti-inflammatory diet.

  • Glucose or A1c elevations require carbohydrate management, exercise adjustments, and weight control strategies to prevent metabolic syndrome.

  • Abnormal liver enzymes may indicate the need for dietary modification and liver health support.

  • OmegaCheck and vitamin D deficiencies can be corrected through targeted supplementation to reduce inflammation and improve lipid metabolism.

These results help healthcare professionals deliver personalized nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle recommendations, reducing reliance on generic heart health advice.

Conclusion

The Cholesterol & Saturated Fat Risk Plus Panel provides an advanced, comprehensive evaluation of the factors that influence cardiovascular health, lipid metabolism, and systemic inflammation. By including ApoB, lipoprotein fractionation, inflammatory markers, omega-3 status, and vitamin D levels, this panel offers a detailed risk profile that standard cholesterol tests cannot match. Armed with this information, individuals can make evidence-based decisions about saturated fat intake and lifestyle choices, ensuring optimal heart health and long-term wellness.

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