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Test Code CLDL1 Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Calculated, Serum


Specimen Required


Only orderable as part of a profile. For more information see LPSC1 / Lipid Panel, Serum


Useful For

Calculation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol using total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations

 

Managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk

Method Name

Only orderable as part of a profile. For more information see LPSC1 / Lipid Panel, Serum

 

Calculation

Reporting Name

Cholesterol, LDL, Calculated, S

Specimen Type

Serum

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  30 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject

Clinical Information

Lipoprotein cholesterol measurements are essential in managing risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Atherosclerosis is defined by a buildup of plaque within arterial walls. ASCVD includes coronary heart disease, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. ASCVD develops over decades and is often asymptomatic until the patient experiences a life-threatening event such as a heart attack, stroke, or aneurysm.

 

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the primary lipoprotein responsible for atherogenic plaque. Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) is also atherogenic and the combination of LDL-C and VLDL-C is called non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Serum LDL-C and non-HDL cholesterol are directly associated with risk for ASCVD and often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. HDL-C is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because HDL-C concentrations are inversely related to ASCVD risk.

 

Adjusted LDL-C calculations, like the Sampson/NIH equation, are endorsed by multiple guidelines as being more accurate when triglycerides are greater than 150 mg/dL and/or LDL-C is less than 70 mg/dL.

Reference Values

Only orderable as part of a profile. For more information see LPSC1 / Lipid Panel, Serum

 

The National Lipid Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program have set the following guidelines for lipids in a context of cardiovascular risk for adults 18 years old and older:

LDL CHOLESTEROL

Desirable: <100 mg/dL

Above Desirable: 100-129 mg/dL

Borderline High: 130-159 mg/dL

High: 160-189 mg/dL

Very High: ≥190 mg/dL

 

The Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents has set the following guidelines for lipids in a context of cardiovascular risk for children 2 to 17 years old:

 

LDL CHOLESTEROL

Acceptable: <110 mg/dL

Borderline High: 110-129 mg/dL

High: ≥130 mg/dL

Reference values have not been established for patients who are younger than 24 months of age.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Report Available

1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

Not Applicable