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Test Code DIR LDL Direct LDL, Plasma or Serum

Methodology

Enzymatic Colorimetric

Performing Laboratory

Decatur Morgan Hospital-Decatur Campus/Parkway Campus

Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Plasma

Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s) from a fasting patient (12 hour preferred). Spin down and send 1 mL (pediatric:  0.2 mL) of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated.

Note:  1. Patient’s age and sex are required on request form for processing.

2. Indicate plasma on request form.
3. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

 

Serum

Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or a serum gel tube(s) from a fasting patient (12 hour preferred). Spin down and send 1 mL (pediatric:  0.2 mL) of serum refrigerated.

Note:  1. Patient’s age and sex are required on request form for processing.

2. Indicate serum on request form.
3. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Reference Values

Adult direct LDL levels in terms of risk for coronary heart disease:

Optimal:  <100 mg/dL

Near/above optimal:  100-129 mg/dL

Borderline high:  130-159 mg/dL

High:  160-189 mg/dL

Very high:  ≥190 mg/dL

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

83721