Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) in Serum or Plasma by Electrophoresis, Substance Concentration

What Is VLDL?

VLDL stands for very low-density lipoprotein. It is a particle made by your liver that carries triglycerides and other fats through your bloodstream to tissues that need energy. After delivering its fat, VLDL is gradually converted into other lipoproteins, eventually becoming LDL (the so-called "bad" cholesterol).

Why Measure VLDL?

Doctors may order this test as part of a lipid or lipoprotein evaluation. Elevated VLDL can be associated with high triglycerides, insulin resistance, obesity, and increased cardiovascular risk. Measuring VLDL helps build a fuller picture of your cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism beyond the standard lipid panel.

How the Test Works

A blood sample is collected, usually from a vein in your arm. In the laboratory, electrophoresis is used to separate lipoprotein particles by their electrical charge and size, allowing VLDL to be distinguished from other fractions such as HDL and LDL and measured by its substance concentration.

What to Expect

You may be asked to fast for several hours before the blood draw, depending on your doctor's instructions. The blood collection itself is quick and feels like a brief pinch. Results are typically available within a few days, and your doctor will interpret them alongside your other lipid results and health history.