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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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LDL CHOLESTEROL (DIRECT MEASURE)

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2595    Geisinger Epic ID:  6823

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Plasma or serum


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

1 mL of serum or plasma; minimum 0.2 mL.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Allow serum to clot. Centrifuge to separate serum or plasma within 2 hours of collection.


Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated (preferred) or frozen.


Specimen stability: 

Refrigerated: 7 days. Frozen: 1 year.


Rejection criteria: 

Stability limits exceeded.



TEST DETAILS
Interpretation guide: 
<18 years old: 
<70 mg/dLTarget level for high-risk ASCVD patient
< 110 mg/dLOptimal for general population
110-129 mg/dLBorderline high
> = 130 mg/dLHigh
  
  
Adult: 
<70 mg/dLTarget level for high-risk ASCVD patient
<100 mg/dLOptimal for general population
100-129 mg/dLNear optimal for general population
130-159 mg/dLBorderline high
160-189 mg/dLHigh
> =190 mg/dLVery high

CPT code(s):  83721
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Methodology: 
Spectrophotometric (Colorimetric)
Synonyms: 

LDL, DIRECT LDL, LDL CHOLESTEROL, LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN


Clinical significance: 

LDL cholesterol is a key factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). It is used for risk factor determination for likelihood of developing CAD.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Sheng-Ying (Margaret) Lo, PhD, DABCC
Review Date:  12/27/2024

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