Small dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-c) is an important biomarker for understanding a patient's risk of coronary heart disease. In this test-specific episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Vlad Vasile, M.D., Ph.D., and Leslie Donato, Ph.D., explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' assay measuring sdLDL-c concentrations aids clinical management of patients with high LDL or "bad" cholesterol.

"sdLDL-c is a particular type of harmful cholesterol that is thought to be highly atherogenic," Dr. Vasile says. "Patients with elevated LDL cholesterol might or might not have high small dense LDL. The sdLDL-c assay identifies the category of patients at higher risk, who might otherwise be missed in clinical practice."

The results can directly impact clinical care.

"The higher the cholesterol concentration in these small dense particles, the higher the risk of future cardiovascular events," Dr. Donato says. "sdLDL-c test results can help guide decisions about initiating or intensifying a pharmacotherapy, to lower overall atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk."

Listen to learn more about Mayo Clinic Laboratories' sdLDL-c assay.

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Testing

SDLDL   | Small Dense Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Serum

Useful information

Aiding in risk management of lipoprotein disorders associated with cardiovascular disease when used in conjunction with other lipid measurements and clinical evaluation.

Specimen requirements

Patient Preparation: Fasting: Overnight (8-12 hours)

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.

Performance information

• Analytic time: 1 - 3 days
• Day(s) and time(s) performed: Monday through Sunday

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