Record the absolute result of the total cholesterol measurement. When reporting, record whether or not the measurement of Cholesterol-total - measured was performed in a fasting specimen.
Collection methods:
When reporting, record absolute result of the most recent Cholesterol-total - measured in the last 12 months to the nearest 0.1 mmol/L.
Measurement of lipid levels should be carried out by laboratories, or practices, which have been accredited to perform these tests by the National Association of Testing Authorities.
To be collected as a single venous blood sample, preferably following a 12-hour fast where only water and medications have been consumed.
Prolonged tourniquet use can artefactually increase levels by up to 20%.
Comments:
In settings where the monitoring of a person's health is ongoing and where a measure can change over time (such as general practice), the Service contact—service contact date, DDMMYYYY should be recorded.
High blood cholesterol is a key factor in heart, stroke and vascular disease, especially coronary heart disease.
Poor nutrition can be a contributing factor to heart, stroke and vascular disease as a population's level of saturated fat intake is the prime determinant of its level of blood cholesterol.
Large clinical trials have shown that people at highest risk of cardiovascular events (e.g. pre-existing ischaemic heart disease) will derive the greatest benefit from lipid lowering drugs. For this group of patients, the optimum threshold plasma lipid concentration for drug treatment is still a matter of research. In May 1999 the PBS threshold total cholesterol concentration, for subsidy of drug treatment, was reduced from 5.5 to 4.0 mmol/L. (Australian Medical Handbook).
Source and reference attributes
Submitting organisation:
Cardiovascular Data Working Group
Origin:
National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, Lipid Management Guidelines - 2001, MJA 2001; 175: S57-S88
National Health Priority Areas Report: Cardiovascular Health 1998. AIHW Cat. No. PHE 9. HEALTH and AIHW, Canberra.
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia web based Manual of Use and Interpretation of Pathology Tests