Pathology Handbook

New search

LDL-Cholesterol

Alternative Names:

Cholesterol-LDL

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Code:

LPH

Specimen Types:

Blood

Container Types:

Lithium Heparin (with Gel)
SST

Adults Volume or Mass:

5 mL

Minimum/Paediatric Volume or Mass:

1 mL

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:

RoomTemp within Alfred/Esky from External sites

Assay Frequency:

24/7

MBS Rebatable:

Yes

MBS Item No.:

66506

Additional Notes:

Tests are performed on the Abbott Alinity

Reference Range*: </= 3.0mmol/L

*AACB Recommended harmonised reporting value.

LDL is not measured directly but is a calculated value.

As of 16th July 2026, LDL -cholesterol is now calculated using the modified Sampson-NIH Equation.

Compared to the previously used Friedewald equation, the modified Sampson-NIH equation is based on the reference method and has accuracy advantages for samples with low LDL-C and/or hypertriglyceridemia up to 9.0 mmol/L.

Where LDL-C calculation by the Friedewald equation is required, this can be performed manually using the equation: LDLC = TC - HDLC - (TG/2.2) (all results in mmol/L).

Reference: Sampson M et al. A modified Sampson-NIH equation with improved accuracy for estimating low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Clin Chem 2025;71(11):1125–1137.