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Test Code DLDL Low Density Lipoprotein, Direct

Important Note

This can only be ordered as part of Lipid Panel

Alternate Name(s)

Direct LDL

LDLD

LDL Cholesterol

Methodology

Endpoint

Patient Preparation

12 hour fasting: Tests Requiring Fasting and Fasting Instructions

Collection Instructions

Standard phlebotomy practices.

Specimen Requirements

Container

Specimen Type

Tube

Lithium Heparin Plasma

PST

 or  or 

Serum

 or 

SST

 or  or 

 

Stability

Storage

Temperature

Stability

Room Temperature

18-28°C

≤ 1 day

If separated within 2 hours

Refrigerated

2-8°C

≤ 3 days

If separated within 2 hours

Frozen

≤-18 °C

≤ 3 weeks

If separated within 2 hours

Rejection Criteria

Gross Hemolysis

Result Reporting and Reference Values

Reported in mg/dL.

  • Pediatric (0-18 years)

Sex

Low

High

Male

63

130

Female

65

137
  • Adult (18- 150 years) NCEP guidelines for LDL (based on a 9-12 hour fast)

Interpretation

Range

Optimal

<100

Near to above Optimal

100-129

Borderline High

130-159

High

160-189

Very High

>190

Reflex Testing

None

Limitations

Not Defined

Useful For

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is one of six major classes of circulating lipoproteins.  LDL transports cholesterol to peripheral tissues for cell membrane biosynthesis, and to the liver and other tissues for steroid hormone synthesis and to hepatocytes for bile acid synthesis.  LDL cholesterol levels are directly related to the risk of developing coronary heart disease, and lowering the LDL cholesterol level in the blood is a primary target of various cholesterol-lowering therapeutic agents.