Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma
Measures LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in blood to help assess cardiovascular risk and guide cholesterol-lowering treatment.
["LDL cholesterol helps estimate the buildup of fatty plaque in your arteries and your risk of heart disease and stroke."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16615-7
- Short code
- Cholest/LDLc SerPl
- Synonyms
- Cholest/LDLc SerPl
- Category
- lipid
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 100
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83721
- SNOMED
- 113079007
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This blood test measures low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called “bad” cholesterol. It is commonly used to evaluate cardiovascular risk and monitor treatment for high cholesterol.
Why might I need this test?
You may need this test as part of a cholesterol screening, during a routine physical, or if you have risk factors for heart disease and stroke. It may also be used to monitor the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or cholesterol-lowering medicine.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually from your arm. The sample is analyzed in a laboratory to determine the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician’s instructions about fasting. Some cholesterol tests are best performed after an overnight fast, while others can be done without fasting. Tell your clinician if you are taking cholesterol-lowering medicines, because they can affect the result.
Reference range
Optimal: <100 mg/dLN/A
Fasting for 12-14 hours preferred. Water is permitted. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Higher LDL cholesterol levels can increase the risk of fatty plaque buildup in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. This may raise the long-term risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Your clinician will interpret the result along with your other cholesterol levels and personal risk factors.
Short name
LDL cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Is LDL cholesterol the same as total cholesterol?
Does this test require fasting?
How often should LDL cholesterol be checked?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy