Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Fasting for 9-12 hours is required
- Turnaround: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test evaluates your VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol level. Because VLDL cannot be measured directly, your triglyceride level is measured in your blood, and your VLDL cholesterol is then calculated from that value using a VLDL calculation. The result reflects an estimated VLDL cholesterol concentration rather than a directly measured value.
VLDL is a lipoprotein that carries lipids, including triglycerides, throughout your bloodstream, and it is often referred to as a "bad cholesterol" because it can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. This test reports your measured triglycerides along with your calculated VLDL cholesterol.
Benefits
- Estimates your VLDL cholesterol using a calculated result
- Measures triglycerides directly from a blood sample
- Supports discussions about cardiovascular risk with your provider
- Helps track changes in triglycerides and calculated VLDL over time
- Requires only a single blood draw after fasting
- Provides results your provider can use alongside other health information
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults interested in learning more about their VLDL cholesterol level
- Individuals with a family history of heart disease
- Adults managing diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or overweight
- People whose provider recommends monitoring lipid-related values
- Adults wanting a baseline triglyceride and calculated VLDL result
- Individuals tracking changes in these values over time
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and what is its purpose?
This test measures your triglycerides directly from a blood sample and uses that result to calculate your VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. VLDL cholesterol is not measured directly; it is a calculated value derived from your triglyceride result. Together, these results may help a healthcare provider evaluate factors related to cardiovascular risk. This test does not diagnose any condition on its own and does not include biomarkers beyond triglycerides and calculated VLDL cholesterol.
2. Who should consider this test, and when should I order it?
Adults interested in learning about their VLDL cholesterol may benefit from this test, including those with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity and overweight. You may consider ordering it as part of an early look at cardiovascular-related values, to support a conversation with your provider about lifestyle or treatment approaches, or to monitor changes in these values over time. This test is intended for tracking these results rather than diagnosing a specific condition, and it does not replace a full medical evaluation.
3. Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes, fasting for 9-12 hours is required before this test.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 3-5 days. This timeframe may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
5. How do I interpret the results?
The meaning of your triglyceride and calculated VLDL cholesterol results depends on your individual health history, symptoms, medications, and other laboratory results. An abnormal result does not automatically confirm a condition, and a normal result does not rule one out. Because VLDL cholesterol is calculated rather than directly measured, it should be interpreted with that distinction in mind. Discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider for a full interpretation.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Share your results with a qualified healthcare provider, who can place them in context with your overall health and determine whether additional evaluation or testing may be appropriate. This result alone does not provide a complete clinical conclusion.
7. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider based on your individual health needs. There is no fixed schedule associated with this test in general.
Pre-test preparation
Fasting for 9-12 hours is required before this test.
