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HelpTest Code LDL LDL Cholesterol, Direct
Additional Codes
Epic: LAB102
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Container/Type
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Green top (Lithium heparin)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and separate cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of collection.
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 3 months
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
Rejection Due To
Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, QNS, exceeds specimen stability requirements.
Report Available
Same day / 1 day
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.
Method Name
Measured, liquid selective detergent
Day(s) Performed
Daily
LOINC
18262-6