VLDL-3 Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Substance Concentration
A blood test that measures cholesterol in the VLDL-3 lipoprotein fraction in serum or plasma, sometimes used to help evaluate lipid disorders and cardiovascular risk.
["This test measures VLDL-3 cholesterol in blood and may help identify certain lipid abnormalities."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 70203-5
- Short code
- VLDL3c SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- VLDL3c SerPl-sCnc
- 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 cholesterol carried by very-low-density lipoprotein 3 (VLDL-3) particles in a blood sample. VLDL-3 is one of the smaller VLDL subfractions and can be elevated in some inherited or acquired lipid disorders.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test as part of an evaluation of high cholesterol, unusual triglyceride levels, or a family history of early cardiovascular disease. It may also be used when other lipid results are abnormal or do not fully explain the clinical findings.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, usually into a serum or plasma tube, and sent to a laboratory. The laboratory separates or measures the VLDL-3 fraction and determines its cholesterol concentration using an appropriate laboratory method.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting for 9 to 12 hours may be required, so follow the instructions provided by your clinician or laboratory. Water is generally allowed, and you should not stop prescribed medicines unless your clinician tells you to do so.
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 VLDL-3 cholesterol result may occur with dyslipidemia and can contribute to cardiovascular risk. It may also support evaluation for inherited conditions that alter cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, particularly when other lipid measurements are abnormal. The result should be interpreted together with total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and your medical history.
Short name
VLDL-3 Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Is VLDL-3 cholesterol the same as LDL cholesterol?
Does a high VLDL-3 result mean I have heart disease?
Do I need to fast before 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