Small Dense LDL Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Substance Concentration
Measures cholesterol carried in small dense LDL particles, a blood lipid subset that may be associated with cardiovascular risk.
["Higher small dense LDL cholesterol can indicate increased cardiovascular risk, so discuss the result with your clinician."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 96959-2
- Short code
- Chol.in LDL.small dense SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Chol.in LDL.small dense SerPl-sCnc
- 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 amount of cholesterol carried in small dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. LDL is the type of cholesterol commonly described as “bad” cholesterol, and small dense LDL is a subset that may circulate more readily through blood vessel walls.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test as part of a broader evaluation of cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. It may be considered when standard lipid results do not fully explain your risk or when additional information about LDL particle characteristics is helpful.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, and serum or plasma is separated for laboratory analysis. The laboratory then measures the concentration of cholesterol in the small dense LDL fraction.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required unless your clinician or laboratory gives specific instructions. Follow any fasting or medication guidance provided for your order, and tell the laboratory if you have recently started or stopped cholesterol medicine.
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.
A higher concentration of small dense LDL cholesterol may indicate an increased amount of atherogenic cholesterol in the blood. This can be associated with greater risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, particularly when other risk factors are present. Your clinician should interpret the result alongside your total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, medical history, and other risk factors.
Short name
Small dense LDL cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Is small dense LDL cholesterol the same as LDL cholesterol?
Why does small dense LDL matter?
What should I do if my result is high?
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