Lipid Panel with Direct LDL Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma
Measures cholesterol and triglycerides in blood, including LDL cholesterol measured directly, to help assess cardiovascular risk.
["This test helps evaluate your cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57698-3
- Short code
- Lipid pnl with direct LDL SerPl
- Synonyms
- Lipid pnl with direct LDL SerPl
- Category
- lipid
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 100
- Fasting
- true
- 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?
A lipid panel measures total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol in your blood. When direct LDL is included, LDL cholesterol is measured in the laboratory rather than being estimated from other results.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be used to screen for high cholesterol, monitor heart disease risk, or track the effect of diet, weight changes, or cholesterol-lowering treatment. Direct LDL measurement may be helpful when calculated LDL could be inaccurate.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein and placed in a serum or plasma container. The laboratory measures the different types of cholesterol and triglycerides using standard laboratory methods.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about fasting. Some lipid tests are done without fasting, while others may require several hours without food or drinks other than water. Continue prescribed medications unless your clinician tells you 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 cholesterol can increase the risk of plaque buildup in arteries and heart disease, while low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides may also affect cardiovascular risk. Results should be interpreted with your age, medical history, family history, and other risk factors. Direct LDL and calculated LDL can differ slightly, so your clinician may consider the overall lipid pattern.
Short name
Lipid panel with direct LDL
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between direct and calculated LDL?
Do I need to fast for this test?
Can cholesterol medication affect the results?
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