LDL Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in blood to help assess cardiovascular risk and guide lipid-lowering treatment.
["Higher LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of plaque buildup and heart disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55440-2
- Short code
- LDLc-R SerPl VAP-mCnc
- Synonyms
- LDLc-R SerPl VAP-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
- Method
- vap
- 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 LDL cholesterol, a form of cholesterol that can contribute to fatty plaque buildup in artery walls. It is commonly used to assess cardiovascular risk and monitor cholesterol-lowering treatment.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test as part of a cholesterol screening or follow-up, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein and analyzed in the laboratory. Depending on the laboratory method, LDL cholesterol may be measured directly or calculated from other cholesterol measurements.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting may or may not be required, depending on the test ordered and your clinician’s instructions. If fasting is requested, avoid food and drinks other than water for the specified period, and tell your clinician if you have recently eaten or changed your medicines.
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 result may indicate increased risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. A low result can occur with low-fat diets, weight loss, certain medicines, or inherited conditions that affect cholesterol metabolism. Results should be interpreted with your other cholesterol values, medical history, and overall cardiovascular risk.
Short name
LDL Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Is LDL cholesterol the same as total cholesterol?
Do I need to fast for this test?
What can change my LDL 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