Cholesterol, LDL, Plasma or Serum

Test Code

3981177

CPT Codes
83721

Preferred Specimen

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Plasma
Container/Tube: Green-top (heparin) tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of plasma
Collection Instructions: Fasting (12-14 hour). Patient should be on a stable diet for 3 weeks and must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before specimen is drawn.
Note: 1. Patient’s age and sex are required. 2. Indicate plasma. 3. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Serum
Container/Tube: Serum gel tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of serum
Collection Instructions: Fasting (12-14 hour). Patient should be on a stable diet for 3 weeks and must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before specimen is drawn.
Note: 1. Patient’s age and sex are required. 2. Indicate serum. 3. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Methodology
Elimination Enzyme Detergent Selective Colorimetry

Setup Schedule

Monday through Sunday

Reference Range

National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Guidelines for LDL Cholesterol
Risk Category	LDL Cholesterol Goal
Coronary heart disease (CHD) or CHD risk equivalents (including diabetes)	<100 mg/dL
2+ risk factors	<130 mg/dL
0-1 risk factor	≤160 mg/dL
Risk Factors
1. Cigarette smoking
2. Hypertension (BP ≥140/90 mm Hg or on antihypertensive medication)
3. Low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL). HDL cholesterol ≥60 mg/dL, counts as a “negative” risk factor; its presence removes 1 risk factor from the total count.
4. Family history of premature CHD: (CHD in first-degree male relative <55 years; CHD in first-degree female relative <65 years).
5. Age Males: ≥45 years Females: ≥55 years

Performed By
CoxHealth

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.