Cholesterol in Small Dense LDL, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
Measures cholesterol carried by small dense LDL particles in blood, which may help assess cardiovascular risk.
["Higher small dense LDL cholesterol can indicate increased risk of cholesterol-related plaque buildup in the arteries."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90364-1
- Short code
- Chol.in LDL.small dense SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Chol.in LDL.small dense SerPl-mCnc
- 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 the concentration of cholesterol associated with small dense LDL particles. These are a type of cholesterol-carrying lipoprotein that can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test as part of a cardiovascular risk assessment, particularly if you have high cholesterol, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or a family history of early heart disease.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, and the laboratory measures cholesterol in the small dense LDL fraction using a validated laboratory method. It is generally reported as a mass concentration in serum or plasma.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is universally required, but fasting may be requested for some lipid testing. Follow your clinician's instructions and tell the laboratory if you have recently changed medicines, diet, or exercise habits.
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.
An elevated result may indicate an increased amount of atherogenic small dense LDL cholesterol and can be associated with higher cardiovascular risk. It should be interpreted with the rest of your lipid panel, blood pressure, diabetes status, family history, and other risk factors; the result alone does not diagnose heart disease.
Short name
Small Dense LDL Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
What is small dense LDL?
Does a high result mean I have heart disease?
Can this test be interpreted on its own?
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