Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is often referred to as “bad cholesterol” because high levels contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.

The direct LDL test measures LDL cholesterol without requiring fasting or calculation from other lipid values.

Clinical uses include:

Assessing risk of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and stroke.

Monitoring patients on statins or other lipid-lowering therapies.

Evaluating lipid disorders when triglycerides are very high (where calculated LDL is inaccurate).

The test is performed using a blood sample.

Analyte: Direct measurement of LDL cholesterol in serum/plasma.

Normal Range:

Optimal: < 100 mg/dL

Near optimal: 100 – 129 mg/dL

Borderline high: 130 – 159 mg/dL

High: 160 – 189 mg/dL

Very high: ≥ 190 mg/dL

Abnormal Findings:

High LDL: Strongly associated with cardiovascular disease risk.

Low LDL: May occur with aggressive lipid-lowering therapy or certain genetic conditions.

Clinical Use:

Provides a reliable measure of LDL cholesterol even in non-fasting samples.

Helps guide treatment decisions for cardiovascular risk reduction.

Supports monitoring of therapy effectiveness in dyslipidemia management.