Explore this test

  • Test Details
  • Lab Values
  • Clinical Significance
  • Treatment Options
DOWNLOAD SPECIMEN PREP FLYER

Explore this test

Test Code 252

Test Details

Very Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (VLDL-C)

VLDL is a type of lipoprotein made in the liver that carries triglycerides and cholesterol. VLDL-C is the amount of cholesterol carried by VLDL lipoproteins.

Methodology

VLDL-C is calculated as follows:
TC – Direct LDL-C – Direct HDL-C = VLDL-C

Patient Preparation

8-12 hour fast prior to collection. Patient may drink water only.

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)

Alternate Specimen

1.0 mL EDTA plasma (0.5 mL minimum) collected in plasma separator tube (Pearl Top)

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)

Stability

Refrigerated: 7 days

Lab Values

Lab Values

Very Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (VLDL-C)

  • Optimal: <30 mg/dL
  • Borderline: 30-40 mg/dL
  • Increased Risk: >40 mg/dL
Test Details
Clinical Significance

Clinical Significance

Very Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (VLDL-C)

VLDL-C values >40 mg/dL are associated with increased CVD risk.1-2

References:

  1. Goff DC Jr, Lloyd-Jones DM, Bennett G, et al. 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2014;129(25 Suppl 2):S49-73.
  2. Stone NJ, Robinson J, Lichtenstein AH, et al. 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2014;129(25 Suppl 2):S49-73.
Lab Values
Treatment Options

Treatment Options

Very Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (VLDL-C)

  • Lifestyle modification
  • Statins
  • Niacin
  • Fibrates
  • Fish oil
  • Cholesterol absorption inhibitor
Clinical Significance