Lab results question

[southern_rn_brat]

6 weeks ago I had my labs for cholesterol done. My results then were:

Total 169

HDL 28

LDL 135

Last week they were drawn again by my new PCP but were done by the same lab. Now they are:

Total 234

HDL 35

LDL 173

In between the 2 labs I have been in the hospital with a PE (out of hospital 10 days now).

Can cholesterol levels differ like this? I admit I have no idea but was very suprised to get these last results.

both were obtained fasting.

Any thoughts? TIA!

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Sorry the members of this website cannot give out medical advice as it is against TOS. Please contact your doctor.

Swtooth

[ICRN2008, BSN, RN]

Lab results can vary from day-to-day and even run-to-run (meaning that if they run the same blood sample twice they won't necessarily receive the same exact result). Laboratories must monitor their levels of precision as part of quality control processes.

Some analytes vary over a period of hours (an example would be potassium), while others are more stable over longer periods of time(an example is serum folate levels).

I hope this helps, but if you have concerns about your particular laboratory results please consult your PCP.

A good website for lab tests is Lab Tests Online: Welcome! It is run by the American Society for Clinical Pathology and is a reputable source of information.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

I imagine during the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas with all the junk foods we eat our lab values are floppin around like a fish out of water.

[southern_rn_brat]

Sorry the members of this website cannot give out medical advice as it is against TOS. Please contact your doctor.

Swtooth

Im not seeking advice. i am wondering how labs can be different.

[southern_rn_brat]

Lab results can vary from day-to-day and even run-to-run (meaning that if they run the same blood sample twice they won't necessarily receive the same exact result). Laboratories must monitor their levels of precision as part of quality control processes.

Some analytes vary over a period of hours (an example would be potassium), while others are more stable over longer periods of time(an example is serum folate levels).

I hope this helps, but if you have concerns about your particular laboratory results please consult your PCP.

A good website for lab tests is Lab Tests Online: Welcome! It is run by the American Society for Clinical Pathology and is a reputable source of information.

Thanks! that link was most informative.

[lovemyjob]

Cholesterol levels are only accurate when you have fasted.

[southern_rn_brat]

Cholesterol levels are only accurate when you have fasted.

Both tests were fasting. I was just very suprised they were so different after only 6 weeks and 2 of those I was in the hospital.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

TOTALLY out of left field here, but having done nutrition profiles on four of my hospital patients over 6 weeks of clinicals using computer programs available at Duke, I wouldn't put much faith in the nutritional value of hospital food, despite nutritionist consults and restricted diets. :)

[lovemyjob]

Both tests were fasting. I was just very suprised they were so different after only 6 weeks and 2 of those I was in the hospital.

sorry, missed that last part of your post. I would def ask your doc. Maybe changes in meds. Dont do adults and adult issues, but doesnt stress cause and increase in cholesterol, even short term extreme stress. I can imagine a PE could be pretty scary, plus the many changes that hospitalization can cause. Just a thought.