Lipid Panel is drawn in a Serum separator tube (SST) at Quest, a Gel-barrier tube (preferred) or red-top tube at LabCorp, and a SST Tube at BioReference.
Lab comparison
Lipid Panel: Quest vs LabCorp vs BioReference, tube, code & requirements
. This page shows collection requirements for all three major reference labs in one view, so you don’t have to cross-check three portals.
Always verify against your lab’s current collection manual before drawing.
Every value on this page is verified by a nurse practitioner in active clinical practice, not scraped from an automated source.
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| Requirement | Quest Diagnostics | LabCorp | BioReference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test code | 7600 | 303756 | 0009-1 |
| Primary tube | Serum separator tube (SST) | Gel-barrier tube (preferred) or red-top tube | SST Tube |
| Specimen type | 1 mL serum | Serum (preferred) or plasma | 2 mL SST Tube |
| Patient prep | If a cholesterol measurement is to be performed along with triglycerides, but not part of a lipid panel, then the patient should be fasting 9-12 hours prior to collection. If the cholesterol is ordered as part of a lipid panel, then a fasting sample is not required. | If a cholesterol measurement is to be performed along with triglycerides, but not part of a lipid panel, then the patient should be fasting 9-12 hours prior to collection. If the cholesterol is ordered as part of a lipid panel, then a fasting sample is not required. | If a cholesterol measurement is to be performed along with triglycerides, but not part of a lipid panel, then the patient should be fasting 9-12 hours prior to collection. If the cholesterol is ordered as part of a lipid panel, then a fasting sample is not required. |
| Minimum volume | Minimum Volume 0.5 mL | Not stated | Qty 1 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Quest Diagnostics order code for Lipid Panel?
The Quest Diagnostics order code for Lipid Panel is 7600.
What tube color does LabCorp use for Lipid Panel?
LabCorp uses a Gel-barrier tube (preferred) or red-top tube for Lipid Panel.
Does Lipid Panel require fasting?
Lipid Panel patient prep: If a cholesterol measurement is to be performed along with triglycerides, but not part of a lipid panel, then the patient should be fasting 9-12 hours prior to collection. If the cholesterol is ordered as part of a lipid panel, then a fasting sample is not required.. Always confirm with the ordering lab before the draw.
Data provenance
Source: Quest Diagnostics specimen collection manual, LabCorp directory of services, and BioReference laboratory collection guide.
Verified by: a licensed nurse practitioner in active clinical practice. Values are reviewed against each lab’s published collection requirements. Always confirm against your lab’s current manual before drawing.
Quest verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 4, 2026
LabCorp verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 4, 2026
BioReference verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 8, 2026
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