Non-HDL Cholesterol Profile
Also known as: LP, Non-HDL Cholesterol
Use
The third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel's revised guidelines1 for the treatment of cholesterol in adults called for increased attention to the metabolic syndrome and diabetes. These guidelines highlighted the increased inaccuracy of the LDL-C measurement in these patients because of elevated triglycerides. To overcome the inaccuracy of the calculated LDL-C method when triglycerides are elevated, measurement of non-high-density lipoprotein (non-LDL-C) was recommended as a better means to follow these patients toward their treatment goals. Non-HDL-C is a calculation (total cholesterol minus HDL-C), ie, the sum of the VLDL-C, LDL-C, and IDL-C. While LDL-C has long been the primary focus of cholesterol reduction efforts, researchers have identified several other lipoproteins that also affect cardiovascular health. The advantage of non-HDL-C measurement is that it accounts for cholesterol in the other potentially atherogenic lipoprotein particles, which include VLDL-C, IDL-C, LDL-C, and lipoprotein(a). Studies2,3 have shown that the measurement of non-HDL-C, rather than LDL-C, would be a better target for therapy, especially in persons with a triglyceride level >200 mg/dL. Cutpoints for non-HDL-C are 30 mg/dL higher than the LCL-C cutpoint (eg, if the patient's LDL-C goal is <160 mg/dL, the non-HDL-C goal should be <190 mg/dL).
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
The test may not accurately reflect non-HDL-C levels in patients who have recently experienced acute myocardial infarct, within the past three months. Additionally, it is important to maintain a stable diet for two to three weeks prior to specimen collection to ensure accurate results.
Methodology
Not provided.
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2093-3 - Cholest SerPl-mCnc
- 2085-9 - HDLc SerPl-mCnc
- 43396-1 - NonHDLc SerPl-mCnc
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of venipuncture.
Patient Preparation
Patient should be on a stable diet, ideally for two to three weeks prior to collection of the specimen.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Improperly labeled specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
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