At a glance
CDC improves the detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases by ensuring laboratory measurements that test patients' blood for cholesterol levels are accurate and reliable.
![Heart exam](https://www.cdc.gov/clinical-standardization-programs/media/images/heart-exam-169-G.jpg)
Overview
Cholesterol and heart disease risk
CDC's Reference Laboratory and Clinical Standardization Programs work to:
- Provide reference measurements for total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and total glycerides (TG) [CVD Reference Laboratory]
- Assess the accuracy of TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C tests used in patient care and public health (Cholesterol Reference Method Laboratory Network [Improving Performance]
- Monitor the accuracy of laboratories performing these tests over time [Monitoring Accuracy]
CVD Reference Laboratory
CDC provides reference measurements for total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and total glycerides (TG).
Improving Performance - Cholesterol Reference Method Laboratory Network (CRMLN)
A group of specialized laboratories works directly with manufacturers and laboratories to assess the analytical accuracy and precision of TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C tests used in patient care and public health.
Accuracy-based Monitoring Program - Lipids Standardization Program (LSP)
CDC monitors the accuracy of research and clinical laboratories performing these tests over time