Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL serum or plasma from EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Transport Container Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature Ambient 5 days, Refrigerated 5 days
Reject Criteria
- Gross hemolysis
- Citrate containing anticoagulants
Methodology Immunoseparation, Spectrophotometry
Clinical Significance LDL cholesterol is a key factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), while HDL cholesterol has often been observed to have a protective effect. Even within the normal range of total cholesterol concentrations, an increase in LDL cholesterol can produce an associated increased risk for CAD. LDL cholesterol binds to receptor sites on macrophages in blood vessel walls inciting several changes to the blood wall which enhance atherosclerotic plaque development.