LDL Cholesterol Direct Test
- Category
- Heart
- Sample
- Blood sample taken from a vein in your arm
- Reports () Terms & Conditions Report time varies with time of sample collection.
- In 2 days
- Fasting
- No Fasting
- Age
- 5+ Years
Measures LDL ('bad') cholesterol directly.
LDL is the main driver of plaque build-up in arteries. Direct measurement is more accurate when triglycerides are high or LDL is very low, as in people on strong statin therapy.
Adults over 30, people with high BP, diabetes, obesity, smoking or a family history of heart disease; chest pain or breathlessness (seek urgent care).
No fasting needed.
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Generally below 100 mg/dL for most adults, and lower (below 70 or even 55 mg/dL) for people with diabetes or heart disease — your doctor will set your target.
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink normally unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
Blood sample taken from a vein in your arm.
Usually within 11–35 hours after the sample reaches the lab. You will receive the report online.