Sign in →

Test Code 120 Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Direct

Important Note

LDL, Direct is measured as opposed to the Lipid Panel LDL, which is calculated based on the measurements of Cholesterol, Triglyceride and HDL. The Lipid Cascade automatically reflexes to a measured LDL if the Triglyceride level is > 400 mg/dL, since a calculated LDL is not possible in this instance.

Additional Codes

ALAB: LDL

PowerChart: Cholesterol LDL Direct

MA Cerner: LDL Direct.

Test Method

MercyOne: Timed Endpoint Colorimetric Assay Traceable to (NCEP) National Cholesterol Education Program Reference Methodology; Beckman DXC880i

MA: Enzymatic Colorimetric Method; Roche Cobas 6000

Specimen Requirement

0.5 mL serum or lithium heparin plasma is required.

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Collect blood in a lithium heparin, green-top or red-top tube. PST and SST (gel tubes) are acceptable. Serum or plasma should be separated from contact with the cells within 2 hours of collection. Specimens not centrifuged within 4 hours of collection may be rejected. Refrigerate the specimen if unable to assay within 8 hours of collection.

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Expedite: Typically completed within 1 hour after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT: Typically completed within 40 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Reference Values

Adult: < 100 mg/dL

Pediatric (2-17 years): < 110 mg/dL

 

CPT Code Information

83721 Chemistry: LDL Cholesterol

Useful For

Evaluation of cardiovascular risk

Assessment of low-density lipoprotein C (LDL-C) in patients with hypertriglyceridemia, type III hyperlipoproteinemia/dysbetalipoproteinemia, high concentrations of lipoprotein(a), or intermediate-density lipoprotein, and/or when an accurate gold standard determination of LDL-C is required.

Diagnosis of abetalipoproteinemia

Diagnosis of hypobetalipoproteinemia

 

LOINC Code Information

2089-1 Cholesterol in LDL [Mass/volume] in Serum or Plasma