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LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN (LDL)

Categories

  • Chemistry
  • Health Assessment and Safety

General Information

Name Information
Code:T518
Matrix:Serum / Plasma
Application:Insurance Risk Assessment, Wellness
Turnaround Time:Daily
Analytical - Method:Homogeneous Enzymatic Colormetric Assay
Reportable - Test Results Type:Quantitative
Units - Conventional:mg/dL

Specimen Information

Name Information
Minimum Volume:300 µL
Preferred Volume:500 µL
Rejection Criteria:

Improper labeling, improper sample handling, and wrong sample type.

Collection Instructions:

See “Blood Collection”

Collection Patient Preparation:Fasting blood sample recommended
Container:SPECIMEN HANDLING 1) Gently invert SST tubes 5 times and all tubes with anticoagulant (EDTA, heparin, etc.) 8 to 10 times. 2) Ensure all tubes are labeled with identification number and second identifier (printed first and last name for Insurance applicants). 3) Let red-top and marbled tubes clot, preferably in an upright position, for 10 - 20 minutes, but not more than 45 minutes. Centrifuge the tube for 5-10 minutes at 2500-3500 rpm and transfer the serum into a properly labeled pour-off tube using a disposable pipette. 4) Some other factors that can affect the sample are: a) Hemolysis. Hemolysis is defined as the breaking down of red blood cells. This can be slight, moderate or severe. The three (3) causes of hemolysis are TIME, TEMPERATURE AND TRAUMA. i) TIME: Holding blood over two (2) hours before centrifuging can and usually does cause some hemolysis. Allow at least 10-20 minutes, but no more than 45 minutes for the blood to clot prior to centrifuging. ii) TEMPERATURE: Never store blood in too warm an area; hot cars, hot sun, etc. Allowing blood to freeze in cold weather will also produce hemolysis. iii) TRAUMA: Going through the vein, accessing a collapsed vein, or using a needle that is too small can all cause hemolysis. The needles provided by the labs are usually 21 or 22 gauge. If a 23 gauge is used, it is very possible that hemolysis may occur. Only use a smaller needle when absolutely necessary. When doing finger sticks, DBS, etc., squeezing the finger is the main cause of hemolysis. b) Lipemia: Lipemia is defined as an abnormal amount of fat in the blood. This is usually caused by the patient not fasting.