ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

LDL Cholesterol, Direct : 0020257

Mnemonic: LDL D

Methodology: Quantitative Detergent Solubilization/ Enzymatic
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Patient Prep: Refer to individual components.

Collect: Plasma separator tube or serum separator tube. Also acceptable: Green (sodium or lithium heparin), lavender (EDTA), or pink (K2EDTA).

Specimen Preparation: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 1 month
Reference Interval:


                                           
 
Age Desirable Borderline Higher Risk
0-19 years 109 mg/dL or less 110-129 mg/dL 130 mg/dL or greater
20 years and older 129 mg/dL or less (99 mg/dL or less if patient has CHD) 130-159 mg/dL 160 mg/dL or greater

Interpretive Data: CHD Risk Factors:                                                           
+1  Age: Men, 45 years and older                                         
                Women, 55 years and older or premature menopause without estrogen therapy                                   
+1  Family history of premature CHD                                       
+1  Current smoking                                                       
+1  Hypertension                                                           
+1  Diabetes mellitus                                                     
+1  Low HDL Cholesterol: 39 mg/dL or less                                 
 -1  High HDL Cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or greater     
                                                                             
LDL Cholesterol: Therapeutic goal                                           
99 mg/dL or less if CHD is present  (Optional 69 mg/dL or less).   
129 mg/dL or less if no CHD and two or more risk factors.                 
159 mg/dL or less if no CHD. 
(Circulation 2004; 110:227-39)
CPT Code(s): 83721
Cross References: LDL (LDL Cholesterol, Direct), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL Cholesterol, Direct)