Final answer:
A phlebotomist should immediately report abnormally high cholesterol levels to the provider, especially if the total cholesterol is above 200 mg/dL, LDL is over 190 mg/dL, HDL is below 40 mg/dL in men or 50 mg/dL in women, or triglycerides exceed 500 mg/dL, as these could indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
A phlebotomist should report to the provider immediately if they encounter an abnormally high cholesterol level during a total cholesterol point-of-care test. Extremely high cholesterol levels may indicate a potential risk for cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. A cholesterol level above the normal range of less than 200 mg/dL for total cholesterol would be a cause for concern. Moreover, when a complete lipid profile is performed, specific attention should be given to LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), and triglycerides. For example, LDL levels above 190 mg/dL are considered very high, while HDL levels below 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women are considered low. Triglyceride levels above 500 mg/dL are also unusually high and would similarly warrant immediate reporting to a healthcare provider.