LDL cholesterol is often called the harmful cholesterol because high levels can build up in blood vessels and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. The direct LDL test measures it straight from the blood rather than estimating it. The direct LDL cholesterol blood test measures the level of harmful cholesterol directly. It is useful for assessing heart risk, especially when triglyceride levels make the usual estimate less reliable.

Before the Test

• Follow your doctor's advice on whether to fast before the test.

• Tell your doctor about all cholesterol medicines and any recent major illness.

• Healthy diet, exercise, and not smoking remain important alongside any treatment.

During the Test

• A trained Orange Health Labs professional will collect your sample during the visit.

• Follow the instructions given to you at the time of collection.

• The sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory for testing.

• Let the collection team know if you feel unwell during the procedure.

It is recommended:

• To assess your risk of heart disease and stroke.

• To get a reliable LDL value when triglycerides are high.

• To monitor the response to cholesterol-lowering treatment.

• To guide decisions on diet, lifestyle, and medicines.

• As part of a heart risk or lipid evaluation. Your doctor will tell you whether fasting is needed.