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HelpTest Code LDLD Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol, Beta-Quantification, Serum
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumNecessary Information
Indicate patient's age and sex.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial. Send refrigerated.
Specimen Minimum Volume
2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 10 days |
| Frozen | 60 days |
Reference Values
The National Lipid Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) have set the following guidelines for LDL-C in adults (ages 18 years and up):
Desirable: <100 mg/dL
Above desirable: 100-129 mg/dL
Borderline high: 130-159 mg/dL
High: 160-189 mg/dL
Very high: ≥190 mg/dL
The Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents has set the following guidelines for LDL-C in children and adolescents (ages 2-17 years):
Acceptable: <110 mg/dL
Borderline high: 110-129 mg/dL
High: ≥130 mg/dL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Thursday; Saturday, Sunday
CPT Code Information
83701
Clinical Information
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is acknowledged as being causally related with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. LDL-C remains the primary focus for cardiovascular risk assessment and effectiveness of risk reduction interventions including diet, physical activity, and pharmacologic therapies.
Low-density lipoproteins are a heterogeneous population of lipid particles classically defined as having a density of 1.006 to 1.063 kg/L obtained by preparative ultracentrifugation. The gold standard beta-quantification (beta-quant or BQ) method combines ultracentrifugation with precipitation and yields a direct quantitative measurement of LDL-C, intermediate-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) cholesterol.
Extremely low concentrations of LDL-C are associated with abetalipoproteinemia and hypobetalipoproteinemia. In both cases, individuals will have very low total cholesterol and diminished or absent LDL-C, apolipoprotein B, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Patients may exhibit clinical signs and symptoms of polyneuropathy, intestinal fat malabsorption, hepatosteatosis, and fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies.
Report Available
2 to 4 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Method Name
Ultracentrifugation/Selective Precipitation/Enzymatic Colorimetric
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request Form (T724) with the specimen.