Advanced Lipid Testing

What Is Advanced Lipid Testing?

Advanced lipid testing is an excellent preventative health analysis offered by Dr. Sneed at Austin Family Medicine. As an extension of standard blood-cholesterol tests, advanced lipid testing provides a more detailed analysis of the levels of lipids in the blood that may increase the risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, or other health problems in some patients.  The advanced lipid testing procedure is a simple blood test that can be performed in the office at Austin Family Medicine, but it must be ordered by a doctor or specialist, and may incur an additional fee.

Is Advanced Lipid Testing Right For Me?

If your cholesterol has been tested recently and you’ve been informed you have high cholesterol levels, you may want to ask your doctor about advanced lipid testing. While the necessity of advanced lipid testing remains a hot topic in some healthcare circles, for many high-risk patients this is the most effective method of assessing a prevention or treatment plan for potentially life-threatening health problems. Depending on your particular medical concerns, your doctor can tailor a plan to your specific needs.

What Can I Expect From Advanced Lipid Testing?

The advanced lipid testing procedure should feel similar to a regular blood test, generally involving a moderate blood sample being drawn from a vein in your arm. Some tests may require you to fast for 9-12 hours prior to the procedure. Advanced lipid testing is considered a specialty procedure and is billed to your insurance differently than other standard inclusions, however at least a portion of the testing is covered by many health insurance providers.

Contact Austin Family Medicine to make an appointment for advanced lipid testing with Dr. Sneed. Our dedicated team will be happy to discuss whether advanced lipid testing is right for you.