Low Density Cholesterol Measured
Label Mnemonic: LDL
Epic code: LAB102
Downtime form: Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery
Chemistry
6240 RCP
356-3527
Specimen(s):
Plasma
Collection Medium:
Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL
Alternate Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.
Minimum:
3 mL whole blood from light green top tube or ONE Microtainer®.
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
< 130- mg/dL (Approved by NCEP, National Cholesterol Education Program)
Normal - <100 mg/dL
Above Normal - 100-129 mg/dL
Borderline High - 130-159 mg/dL
High - 160-189 mg/dL
Very High - ≥190 mg/dL
Comments:
Fasting for at least 8 hours prior to collection is recommended. Non- fasting sample can be used, but they are slightly lower than fasting results. Correlation between calculated LDL and measured LDL is very good. Measured can be used for LDL (measured) non-fasting samples with Triglycerides > 400 mg/dL.

This test is also performed in the Iowa River Landing (IRL) clinical laboratory (for specimens drawn at that site).
Test Limitations:
In rare cases, elevated immunoglobulin concentrations cause falsely elevated LDL values.

Hemolysis: No significant interference up to an H index of 1000 (approximate hemoglobin concentration: 1000 mg/dL).

Lipemia: No significant interference up to an L index of 1000 (approximate triglycerides concentration: 2000 mg/dL). Note there is poor correlation between turbidity and triglyceride concentration.

Icterus: No significant interference up to an I index of 60 (approximate conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin concentration: 60 mg/dL).
Methodology:
Enzymatic
CPT Code:
83721
 
See also:
Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein (calculated), Plasma
 
See Additional Information:
Fasting Specimen Requirements