Low Density Cholesterol Measured

Label Mnemonic:	LDL
Epic code:	LAB102
Order form:	Laboratory Requisition
Supply order:	Supply Order Form
Billing:	Billing Policies
CPT code:	83721

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.

Please print, complete and submit the Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) along with the Laboratory Requisition before shipping the specimen.

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

Sample Processing:

Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.

Sample Storage:

Refrigerate.
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).

Transport Instructions:

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.

CPT Code:

83721

See Additional Information:
Fasting Specimen Requirements