LDL Cholesterol

Evaluates the cholesterol carried by low-density lipoproteins.

To assess atherosclerotic risk and monitor lipid-lowering treatment.

1. Check in advance whether you need to fast or have your blood drawn at a specific time.
2. Lipids can often be tested without fasting, but because of triglycerides or a specific clinical purpose your doctor may ask you to fast for 8–12 hours. Check in advance.
3. Before the blood draw, avoid unusually intense physical exercise unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
4. Tell your doctor and the laboratory staff about any medicines and dietary supplements you take.

In some cases fasting is needed, in others it is not. Check your specific order with your doctor and the laboratory.

A specific time is generally not required. If your doctor has set a different time, follow those instructions.

• Food, hydration or physical exercise, depending on the specific analyte
• Certain medicines or dietary supplements
• Hemolysis and delayed sample processing

Venous blood — serum or plasma, depending on the method

The blood sample is collected by a qualified staff member. The tube type, required volume, and processing and storage conditions are set by the laboratory's specific method. You do not need to store the sample yourself.

A raised LDL-C increases atherosclerotic risk; the target value depends on your individual risk.

If your result is outside the reference interval, you have symptoms, or your condition changes, contact your doctor. If symptoms are severe or develop quickly, seek emergency care.

LDL-C can be measured directly or calculated with a formula; under certain conditions these methods give different results.