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HelpTest 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, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen 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.
Interpretation
Maintaining desirable concentrations of lipids lowers atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. Establishing appropriate treatment strategies and lipid goals require that blood lipid values be considered in context with other risk factors including, age, sex, smoking status, and medical history of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol results of 190 mg/dL or above in adults (≥160 mg/dL in children) are severely elevated and may indicate familial hypercholesterolemia.
Cautions
Calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is not applicable when triglyceride level is above 800 mg/dL.
Consider repeat measurement of LDL-C prior to initiating or changing lipid therapy.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
Not ApplicableLOINC Code Information
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CLDL1 | Cholesterol, LDL, Calculated, S | 13457-7 |