National Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The purpose of a lipid panel is to evaluate cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. This test is crucial for assessing a person's risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. By measuring different types of lipids, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and total cholesterol, healthcare providers can determine whether a patient has dyslipidemia, which is an abnormal amount of lipids in the blood.

Monitoring lipid levels is essential because high levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, while high levels of HDL cholesterol are often considered protective against heart disease. Consequently, the lipid panel provides critical information that informs decisions regarding lifestyle changes and interventions such as medication to manage cholesterol levels effectively.

The other options pertain to different types of assessments: liver function tests evaluate the health of the liver, assessments of electrolyte balance measure the levels of essential minerals and salts in the body, and blood typing determines a person's blood group for transfusions and compatibility. Each of these has its specific focus and does not relate to the primary goal of a lipid panel, which centers on lipid assessment.