Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL)
CPT Code(s):
83721
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
3 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
The LDL, Direct test holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in evaluating the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in a patient's blood. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol as it contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of the LDL, Direct test include:
1. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment: LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. Measuring LDL cholesterol levels helps in assessing an individual's risk for cardiovascular events and determining appropriate preventive measures or treatment strategies.
2. Monitoring Cholesterol-Lowering Therapy: The LDL, Direct test is used to monitor the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, in managing high LDL cholesterol levels. Regular monitoring of LDL cholesterol helps healthcare providers assess treatment response and adjust medication dosage if necessary.
3. Treatment Guidance: LDL cholesterol levels are used to guide treatment decisions in individuals with dyslipidemia and those at high risk for cardiovascular diseases. Target LDL cholesterol levels are determined based on an individual's overall cardiovascular risk profile and can help guide the selection of therapeutic interventions and lifestyle modifications.
4. Assessing Treatment Adherence and Compliance: The LDL, Direct test can help evaluate patient adherence to prescribed cholesterol-lowering therapy. Consistently high LDL cholesterol levels despite medication may suggest poor compliance, allowing healthcare providers to address potential barriers and provide necessary support.
5. Risk Stratification in Individuals with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited disorder characterized by high LDL cholesterol levels and an increased risk of early cardiovascular disease. The LDL, Direct test is valuable in diagnosing and monitoring individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia, guiding treatment decisions and risk assessment.
Interpretation of the LDL, Direct test results involves considering other lipid profile parameters, such as total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Additionally, other cardiovascular risk factors and patient-specific factors, including age, gender, and medical history, should be taken into account.
In summary, the LDL, Direct test is specifically used for assessing cardiovascular disease risk, monitoring cholesterol-lowering therapy, guiding treatment decisions, evaluating treatment adherence, and diagnosing familial hypercholesterolemia. It provides valuable information about LDL cholesterol levels, aiding healthcare providers in managing lipid disorders and implementing appropriate preventive measures to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Close collaboration between healthcare providers and patients is crucial to interpret the test results accurately and implement personalized treatment plans.