Final answer:
A lipid panel is a blood test drawn into a tube containing an anticoagulant such as lithium heparin. It measures cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, and assesses heart attack risk. HDL is known as the "good cholesterol transporter" and LDL as the "bad cholesterol transporter".
Step-by-step explanation:
A lipid panel test is a blood test that measures the levels of specific lipids in the blood, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides. This test is crucial for assessing the risk of heart attack and managing hyperlipoproteinemia.
For such a test, a blood sample is usually drawn into a tube containing an anticoagulant, such as lithium heparin, to prevent clotting and obtain plasma. The blood must be collected after overnight fasting and is often kept at 4°C before the serum is observed for the presence of a supernatant layer of chylomicrons, indicating significant amounts of VLDL.
In terms of management, the focus is on maintaining desirable cholesterol levels, with emphasis on a high amount of HDL (good cholesterol transporter) which helps prevent excess cholesterol buildup in the arteries, and a low amount of LDL (bad cholesterol transporter) to reduce the risk of heart disease.