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HelpTest ID: SDLDL Small Dense Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Serum
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Fasting overnight (8-12 hours) required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
2. Send frozen.
Useful For
Aiding in risk management of lipoprotein disorders associated with cardiovascular disease when used in conjunction with other lipid measurements and clinical evaluation
Method Name
Enzymatic Colorimetric
Reporting Name
Small Dense LDL Cholesterol, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 30 days | |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours | ||
| Ambient | 8 hours |
Clinical Information
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) has long been known to be causally associated with atherosclerotic plaque development and progression and is the main target of lowering cardiovascular disease risk. Subfractions of LDL, particularly the concentration of small dense LDL-C, have been shown to also be associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). It is thought that the smaller particles are especially pro-atherogenic given their higher probability to transverse the arterial wall and a longer circulating half-life, likely from a lower binding affinity to the LDL receptor. Several epidemiological and pathological studies have reported an association between the concentration of small dense LDL-C and CHD. Results should be used in conjunction with the patient's medical history and other laboratory and clinical results.
Reference Values
≥18 years: <50 mg/dL
Reference values have not been established for patients who are younger than 18 years.
Interpretation
Results of 50 mg/dL or greater indicate increased risk of incident coronary heart disease (CHD) (myocardial infarction, fatal CHD, or cardiac procedure).
Clinical Reference
1. Tsai MY, Steffen BT, Guan W, et al. New automated assay of small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol identifies risk of coronary heart disease: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2014;34(1):196-201. doi:10.1161/ATVBAHA.113.302401
2. Hoogeveen RC, Gaubatz JW, Sun W, et al. Small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations predict risk for coronary heart disease: the atherosclerosis riskiIn ommunities (ARIC) study. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2014;34(5):1069-1077. doi:10.1161/ATVBAHA.114.303284
3. Hirano T, Ito Y, Yoshino G. Measurement of small dense low-density lipoprotein particles. J Atheroscler Thromb. 2005;12(2):67-72
4. Ogita K, Ai M, Tanaka A, et al. Circadian rhythm of serum concentration of small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Clin Chim Acta. 2007;376(1-2):96-100
5. Balling M, Nordestgaard BG, Langsted A, Varbo A, Kamstrup PR, Afzal S. Small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol predicts atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the Copenhagen general population study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020;75(22):2873-2875. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2020.03.072
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 to 3 daysTest Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
83722
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SDLDL | Small Dense LDL Cholesterol, S | 90364-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SDLDL | Small Dense LDL Cholesterol, S | 90364-1 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request (T724) with the specimen.
mml-lipids-lipoproteins