Clinical Significance Cholesterol Assay

• It is the main lipid found in the blood, bile & brain tissues . It is also one of the most important steroids of the body & is a precursor of many steroid hormones. • Two thirds of cholesterol present in the blood is esterified. The liver metabolizes the cholesterol & it is transported in the blood stream by lipoproteins • Increased levels are found in hypercholesterolaemia , hyperlipidaemia , hypothyroidism, uncontrolled diabetes, nephritic syndrome & cirrhosis • Decreased levels are found in malabsorption , malnutrition , hyperthyroidism, anemia , & liver diseases.