Specimen:
Collect
- One SST
Also Acceptable:
- One Green Top (Li Heparin)
- One Green Top (Na Heparin)
- One Lavender (EDTA)
- One Pink Top (EDTA)
- One Red Top
Submit
- 1 mL (Min:0.5 mL) Serum . Submit Refrigerated. Submit in a Standard Transport Tube.
Also Acceptable:
- 1 mL (Min:0.5 mL) Plasma . Submit Refrigerated. Submit in a Standard Transport Tube.
Special Handling
- Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature
- Avoid Repeated Freeze/Thaw Cycles
- Separate from cells ASAP
Stability
Ambient: 8 Hour(s); Refrigerated: 5 Day(s); Frozen: 3 Month(s); Incubated: Unacceptable
Methodology
- Colorimetric
- Kinetic
Performed
Mon-Fri
Reported
1-3 Day(s)
CPT Codes
- 83721
Interpretive Data
LDL Direct Pediatric Reference Range (under age 19 years):
<110 mg/dL - Desirable
110-129 mg/dL - Borderline
>129 mg/dL - High
LDL Direct Adult Reference Range:
<100 mg/dL - Optimal
110-129 mg/dL - Near Optimal
130-159 mg/dL - Borderline High
160-189 mg/dL - High
Executive Summary of the Third Report of the NCEP Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. JAMA May, 2001.
The NCEP recommends that dietary and/or drug treatment not be initiated based on a single LDL Cholesterol result.
In cases where triglyceride levels are high (>150 mg/dL), LDL calculations underestimate true LDL levels. Thus, direct measurement of LDL is more accurate and of increased importance in patients with high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Components
- 2032 - LDL DIRECT
Last Updated: April 30, 2025 @ 9:13 am
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