Cholesterol Tests (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
During the Procedure
During this procedure, a blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm. To do so, a tourniquet (an elastic band) is tied around your arm just above the elbow. A needle is then inserted into a vein in your arm near the inside of your elbow. Once the needle is positioned, a small amount of blood is withdrawn and collected in a vial or a syringe. After the blood is collected, the needle is removed from the vein, and the tourniquet is removed from your arm. A small cotton ball is pressed over the puncture site to stop any bleeding. After the bleeding has stopped, a bandage is put on.
How long does it take?
This is a short procedure, usually only lasting 3 minutes or less.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel only mild pain as the needle is advanced under the skin into the vein.Next: After the Procedure »
Cholesterol Management
Tips to keep it under control.
From WebMD
Cholesterol Resources
- Cholesterol: Fact vs. Fiction
- Lowering Your Cholesterol: Doing Enough?
- 9 Food Tips to Lower Cholesterol
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Also on eMedicineHealth
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Cholesterol Embolism »
Cholesterol embolism syndrome should be suspected in a patient who develops worsening renal function, hypertension, distal ischemia, or acute multisystem dysfunction after an invasive arterial procedure.

