Used primarily in research settings as a lipid standard or reference material in analytical testing, particularly in studies involving lipid metabolism and lipoprotein analysis. It serves as a model compound for investigating the behavior of cholesterol esters in biological systems due to its stable esterified form. Its long-chain fatty acid structure makes it useful in chromatographic and mass spectrometry methods for identifying and quantifying similar esterified sterols in serum and tissue samples. Also employed in the formulation of diagnostic reagents and in the development of assays targeting cardiovascular disease markers.