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Test Code LDLD Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol, Beta-Quantification, Serum

Reporting Name

LDL Cholesterol (Beta-Quant), S

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Useful For

Evaluation of cardiovascular risk

 

Verification of estimated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with hypertriglyceridemia or extremely low LDL-C

 

Diagnosis of familial hypobetalipoproteinemia and abetalipoproteinemia

Method Name

Ultracentrifugation/Selective Precipitation/Enzymatic Colorimetric


Necessary 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 Type

Serum

Specimen Minimum Volume

2 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 10 days
  Frozen  60 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus Reject

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

Interpretation

Mayo Clinic has adopted the National Lipid Association classifications, which are included as reference values on Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Laboratories reports (see Reference Values). Lipids are most commonly measured to assess cardiovascular risk. Maintaining desirable concentrations of lipids lowers the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

 

Establishing appropriate treatment strategies and lipid goals requires consideration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in context with other risk factors including age, sex, smoking status, family and personal history of heart disease. All guidelines recommend aggressive lipid lowering for patients with LDL cholesterol above 190 mg/dL.

 

Values below 20 mg/dL in untreated patients may be consistent with hypobetalipoproteinemia. Complications due to fat malabsorption may be present in affected individuals.

 

Undetectable LDL-C is highly suggestive of abetalipoproteinemia. Related polyneuropathy may exist in affected individuals.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Thursday; Saturday, Sunday

Report Available

2 to 4 days

Test Classification

This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

83701

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
LDLD LDL Cholesterol (Beta-Quant), S 18261-8

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
LDLC LDL Chol (Beta-Quantification), S 18261-8

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request Form (T724) with the specimen.