HDL, LDL, and VLDL Cholesterol (Calculated), Serum/Plasma
Measures HDL cholesterol and estimates LDL and VLDL cholesterol to help assess cardiovascular risk and guide cholesterol treatment.
["This test shows how your cholesterol is distributed among HDL, LDL, and VLDL particles."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48090-5
- Short code
- HDLc/HDLc+VLDLc SerPl-sRto
- Synonyms
- HDLc/HDLc+VLDLc SerPl-sRto
- 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 HDL cholesterol and provides calculated estimates of LDL and VLDL cholesterol. These lipoproteins carry cholesterol through the bloodstream and are evaluated as part of assessing cardiovascular risk.
Why might I need this test?
Clinicians use these results for routine heart-health screening, especially when you have high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, or other risk factors. Results can also help monitor the effects of diet, activity, and cholesterol-lowering treatment.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein and analyzed in a laboratory. LDL and VLDL values are often calculated from other measurements in a standard lipid panel, including total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about fasting, because eating can raise triglycerides and affect calculated cholesterol values. If fasting is requested, water is generally allowed; avoid alcohol and unusually large meals beforehand unless told otherwise.
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.
High LDL or VLDL cholesterol may increase the risk of fatty plaque buildup in artery walls, which can contribute to heart attack or stroke. Low HDL cholesterol can also be associated with increased cardiovascular risk, although HDL is not treated directly with medication. Interpret these results with your other risk factors and laboratory measurements.
Short name
Calculated Cholesterol Fractions
Frequently asked questions
What is HDL cholesterol?
What is LDL cholesterol?
What is VLDL cholesterol?
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