LDL Cholesterol

Also known as: LDL; LDL-C

Formal name: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To determine risk of developing heart disease

When to Get Tested?

As part of a regular exam with a cholesterol test or lipid profile or if your screening cholesterol is high

Sample Required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm or from a fingerstick

Test Preparation Needed?

Laboratory tests for LDL-C generally require a 12-hour fast; only water is permitted.

This article was last reviewed on October 4, 2008. | This page was last modified on June 18, 2010.

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