LDL Cholesterol (Calculated), Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
Calculated LDL cholesterol estimates the amount of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in blood, usually using total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
["This test helps assess cardiovascular risk by estimating the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 91109-9
- Short code
- LDL5c SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- LDL5c 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?
LDL cholesterol is a type of cholesterol carried in the blood. This calculated test estimates how much LDL cholesterol is present based on other measured cholesterol values.
Why might I need this test?
It may be used to help evaluate your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. It is commonly included in lipid panels and may be monitored during weight, nutrition, or cholesterol treatment.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is analyzed for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. The laboratory uses these results to calculate the LDL cholesterol value.
How do I prepare for the test?
You may be asked to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test. Water is generally allowed, and you should follow any specific instructions from your healthcare professional.
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 calculated LDL result can indicate increased cardiovascular risk, especially when other risk factors are present. Low values are generally reassuring, but interpretation depends on your overall health and medical history. Calculated results may be less reliable when triglycerides are very high or when cholesterol values have changed recently, so your clinician may sometimes request a direct LDL measurement.
Short name
Calculated LDL cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
What is calculated LDL cholesterol?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can calculated and direct LDL cholesterol results differ?
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