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HelpTest Code LAB102 Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol, Beta-Quantification, Serum
Additional Codes
DIR LDL
Reporting Name
LDL Cholesterol (Beta-Quant), SUseful 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
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.
Collect 6.0 mL whole blood in a Red top.
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 10 days | |
| Frozen | 60 days |
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Thursday; Saturday, Sunday
TAT: 4 - 6 days
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Method Name
Ultracentrifugation/Selective Precipitation/Enzymatic Colorimetric
Method Description
Serum is combined with dextran sulfate and magnesium, ions precipitate the low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein fractions, leaving the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction in solution. The HDL cholesterol is then determined using an enzymatic cholesterol assay.(Package insert: HDL Cholesterol Precipitating Reagent Set [Dextran Sulfate]; Pointe Scientific, Inc; 12/2009)
Cholesterol esters are cleaved by the action of cholesterol esterase to yield free cholesterol and fatty acids. Cholesterol oxidase then catalyzes the oxidation of cholesterol to cholest-4-en-3-one and hydrogen peroxide. In the presence of peroxidase, the hydrogen peroxide formed effects the oxidative coupling of phenol and 4-aminophenazone to form a red quinone-imine dye. The color intensity of the dye formed is directly proportional to the cholesterol concentration. It is determined by measuring the increase in absorbance.(Package insert: Cholesterol Gen2 Reagent. Roche Diagnostics; V 16.0, 10/2023)
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
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 |
Report Available
2 to 4 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request Form (T724) with the specimen.
Aliases: Beta Quantification LDL; Cholesterol in Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL); Cholesterol, DLD (Low-Density Lipoprotein); Direct LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein); LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol; LDL Cholesterol (LDLC); LDL Cholesterol (order if only LDL indicated); LDL Direct; Low (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Direct; Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL); Soft-LDLD; Beta Quant LDL; Abetalipoproteinemia; Hypolipoproteinemia; Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH); Type III hyperlipoproteinemia/dysbetalipoproteinemia