Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Calculated, Mass Concentration
Calculated LDL cholesterol estimates the amount of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) in blood, usually using total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
["This blood test helps estimate cardiovascular risk by measuring LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, often by calculation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 46985-8
- Short code
- LDL3 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- LDL3 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?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a type of cholesterol that transports cholesterol from the liver to body tissues. This test usually estimates LDL cholesterol from other measured cholesterol values in the blood.
Why might I need this test?
The result may be used to assess the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. It may also be used to monitor cholesterol-lowering treatment, along with diet, weight, blood pressure, diabetes status, and other risk factors.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and analyzed for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. The laboratory uses these results to calculate the estimated LDL cholesterol concentration.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is often not required for a calculated LDL test, but your clinician may request it for a broader lipid panel or if triglycerides are elevated. Follow any fasting instructions provided by your clinician.
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 high calculated LDL result may indicate increased risk of cholesterol buildup in artery walls, also called atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Low results may occur with low-fat diets, poor nutrition, or cholesterol-lowering medicines. The result should be interpreted with other cardiovascular risk factors, and very high triglyceride levels may require a direct LDL measurement.
Short name
Calculated LDL Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Why is LDL called “bad” cholesterol?
Is this the same as a direct LDL measurement?
Do I need to fast before this test?
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