VLDL Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of VLDL cholesterol in blood. VLDL is a cholesterol-carrying particle that transports triglycerides from the liver to other tissues.
["VLDL cholesterol is one part of your lipid profile and is interpreted along with triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and other cardiovascular risk factors."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50192-4
- Short code
- VLDL1+2+3c SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- VLDL1+2+3c 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 concentration of VLDL cholesterol in serum or plasma, which is the liquid portion of your blood. VLDL is made mainly by the liver and carries triglycerides and other lipids throughout the body.
Why might I need this test?
VLDL cholesterol is usually included as part of a broader lipid profile. Your clinician may use it to assess cholesterol-related cardiovascular risk or to evaluate and monitor conditions involving elevated triglycerides and abnormal lipid levels.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory. Depending on the laboratory, VLDL cholesterol may be measured directly or calculated from other results in the lipid panel, including total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about fasting, because eating before the test can raise triglycerides and affect the lipid profile. If no specific instructions were given, ask whether you should fast. You may continue 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.
Higher VLDL cholesterol may be associated with elevated triglycerides, insulin resistance, obesity, and increased cardiovascular risk, although it is interpreted as part of the complete lipid profile. VLDL cholesterol is not usually assessed independently, and its meaning depends on other laboratory results and personal risk factors. Your clinician can explain how this result relates to your overall health.
Short name
VLDL Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Is VLDL cholesterol the same as LDL cholesterol?
Does VLDL cholesterol need to be measured directly?
Do I need to fast for 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