To assess your risk of developing cardiovascular disease CVD to monitor treatment Specimen:A blood sample obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm or from a fingerstick When To Get Tested: Screening when no risk factors present for adults every four to six years for youths once between the ages of 9 and 11 and again between ages 17 and 21 Monitoring at regular intervals when risk factors are present when prior results showed high risk levels and or to monitor effectiveness of treatment Test Preparation:Typically fasting for 9-12 hours water only before having your blood drawn is required but some labs offer non-fasting lipid testing Follow any instructions you are given and tell the person drawing your blood whether or not you have fasted For youths without risk factors testing may be done without fasting Normal Test Result: the ratio should be below 4