Lipid Panel with Reflex to Direct LDL

The Lipid Panel with Reflex to Direct LDL test contains 1 test with 6 biomarkers.

Lipid Panel with Direct LDL includes:Total cholesterol —this test measures all of the cholesterol in all the lipoprotein particles.High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) — measures the cholesterol in HDL particles; often called “”good cholesterol”” because it removes excess cholesterol and carries it to the liver for removal. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) — calculates the cholesterol in LDL particles; often called “”bad cholesterol”” because it deposits excess cholesterol in walls of blood vessels, which can contribute to atherosclerosis. Usually, the amount of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) is calculated using the results of total cholesterol, HDL-C, and triglycerides.Triglycerides — measures all the triglycerides in all the lipoprotein particles; most is in the very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). If Triglyceride result is >400 mg/dL, Direct LDL will be performed at an additional charge.

Includes

• Cholesterol, Total
• Triglycerides
• HDL Cholesterol
• LDL-Cholesterol (calculated)
• Cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calculated)
• Non-HDL Cholesterol (calculated)
• If Triglyceride result is >400 mg/dL, then Direct LDL will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 83721).

Clinical Significance

Lipid Panel with Reflex to Direct LDL – The Lipid Panel with Reflex to Direct LDL panel includes evaluation of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), LDL-cholesterol (calculated), cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated), and non-HDL cholesterol; direct LDL-C measurement will be performed at additional cost if the TG level is >400 mg/dL. This panel is useful in the detection, classification, and monitoring of hyperlipidemia, especially those expected to have highly elevated TG levels.

LDL-C is widely accepted as a key factor for assessing the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) [1]. The American Heart Association recommends lipid testing for adults over the age of 20 every 4 to 6 years [2]. Direct LDL-C measurement is more accurate than calculated LDL-C for patients with TG levels >400 mg/dL, and patients with hyperlipoproteinemia type III (dysbetalipoproteinemia). Thus, as indicated above, this panel is especially useful for individuals likely to have highly elevated TG and provides a basis for more realistic assessment of CAD risk in this group. It may also help track treatment progress by allowing healthcare practitioners to evaluate overall lipid levels, as well as direct LDL-C [3].