LDL-Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein), Direct
Performing Lab(s)
Memorial-Belleville & Memorial-Shiloh
Specimen Requirement (s)
Specimen Type: plasma (preferred) or serum
Container/Tube: Mint green (LiHep) tube (preferred), SST (gold or marble) or plain red top
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
- Fasting not required of the patient.
Lab instructions: NA
Day(s)/Shift(s) Test Set Up and Turnaround Time
Sunday through Saturday
Hours: 24 hours
Turnaround Time:
STAT: No
Routine: less than 8 hours from receipt.
Transport and Stability
Transport temperature: Ambient to lab
Reference Values
< 129 mg/dL
Interpretive Data:
Ages < 19 years
Acceptable: <100 mg/dL
Borderline high: 100-129- mg/dL
High: ≥ 130 mg/dL
Ages > 20 years
Optimal: <100 mg/dL
Near Optimal: 100-129 mg/dL
Borderline high: 130-159 mg/dL
High: >160 mg/dL
Literature Reference:
National cholesterol education program (NCEP) expert panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). Circulation 2004;110:227.
CPT/LOINC Codes
83721