Which test assesses lipid levels, including HDL and LDL?

• A. Cholesterol test
• B. Complete blood count
• C. Chest X-ray
• D. Bone scan

Answer: (A)

Measuring lipid levels is done with a cholesterol test, typically part of a lipid panel that reports total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. HDL is the “good” cholesterol that helps remove cholesterol from arteries, while LDL is the “bad” cholesterol that can contribute to plaque buildup. Knowing these values helps assess cardiovascular risk and guide treatment decisions. Fasting is often requested because triglycerides can affect the numbers, though nonfasting panels are common in many settings. The other options don’t measure lipids: a complete blood count assesses blood cells, a chest X-ray images chest structures, and a bone scan looks at bone metabolism.