Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol CPT: 83721
Synonyms
Direct LDL
Direct LDLC
LDL Cholesterol, Direct
LDLC, Direct
Expected Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum (preferred) or plasma.
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube, or green-top (heparin) tube.
Collection
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature.
Stability Requirements
Patient Information
To determine your risk of developing heart disease; to monitor effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy.
Screening: as part of a health exam with a lipid profile; every four to six years in adults with no risk factors for heart disease; youth should be tested at least once between the ages of 9 and 11 and once again between the ages of 17 and 21
Monitoring: may be done more frequently and at regular intervals when risk factors for heart disease are present, when prior results showed high risk levels, and/or when undergoing treatment for unhealthy lipid levels.
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or from a fingerstick.
Laboratory tests for LDL-C typically require a 9 to 12-hour fast; only water is permitted. Your healthcare practitioner may decide that you may be tested without fasting. Follow any instructions you are given and tell the person drawing your blood whether or not you have fasted. For youths without risk factors, testing may be done without fasting.