Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
Measures LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in blood to help assess cardiovascular risk and guide cholesterol management.
["Higher LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 91111-5
- Short code
- LDL7c SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- LDL7c 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 test measures the amount of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in your blood. LDL cholesterol is a type of fat that circulates in the blood and can contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries.
Why might I need this test?
LDL cholesterol is usually measured as part of a lipid panel to help assess your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Results may also be used to monitor cholesterol treatment, diet, and other risk factors.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, and the serum or plasma is analyzed for cholesterol. Depending on the laboratory, LDL cholesterol may be measured directly or calculated using results for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting may or may not be required. Follow the laboratory’s instructions and tell your clinician if you recently changed your diet, exercised, lost weight, or started or stopped cholesterol medication, because these factors can affect the result.
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 LDL cholesterol level can indicate increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially when other risk factors are also present. A low result is generally less concerning, although very low LDL cholesterol should be interpreted by a clinician in the context of your overall health and medications.
Short name
LDL cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Why is LDL cholesterol called “bad” cholesterol?
Does this test have to be done while fasting?
Can I lower LDL cholesterol before my appointment?
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