LDL Cholesterol, Direct

Test Code

LDL

Alias/See Also

Epic: LAB102

Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Container: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Specimen Type: Plasma
Collection Container: Green top (Lithium heparin)

Instructions

Centrifuge and separate cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of collection.

Transport Container

Plastic vial

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 3 months

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, QNS, exceeds specimen stability requirements.

Methodology

Measured, liquid selective detergent

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel Classification

Optimal: <100 mg/dL
Near or above optimal: 100 - 129mg/dL
Borderline high: 160 - 189 mg/dL
High: 160 - 189 mg/dL
Very high: ≥190 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

Plasma lipoproteins are spherical particles containing various amounts of cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and proteins. The relative proportions of protein and lipid determine the density of these lipoproteins and provide the basis on which to classify them. These classes are chylomicrons, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is recognized as a key risk factor for coronary atherosclerotic disease (CHD).

LDL cholesterol is the key factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and CHD. Even within the normal range of total cholesterol concentrations, an increase in LDL cholesterol can occur with an associated increased risk for CHD.

Performing Laboratory

Inova Laboratories

2832 Juniper Street

Fairfax, VA 22031

Last Updated: April 11, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, April 11, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.