--- title: LDL Cholesterol Test type: biomarker url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ldl-cholesterol" also_known_as: - ldl - ldl cholesterol - ldl-c - ldl-cholesterol - ldl, calculated - ldl cholesterol (calculated) - ldl cholesterol calculated category: Heart Health units: - mg/dL order_price_usd: 24.99 order_item: Lipid Panel order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/lipid-panel" reviewed_at: 2026-09-06 --- # LDL Cholesterol > LDL Cholesterol is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 100 mg/dL. At TestWell it's $24.99 all-in as Lipid Panel, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis. Also known as: ldl, ldl cholesterol, ldl-c, ldl-cholesterol, ldl, calculated, ldl cholesterol (calculated), ldl cholesterol calculated. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Units | mg/dL | | Sample | Blood draw | | Fasting | 8–12 hours | | Results | 1–3 business days | | Price | $24.99 | | Labs | Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ | ## What does LDL Cholesterol measure? The "bad" cholesterol that contributes to plaque in arteries. Lower is generally better. ## What is the normal range for LDL Cholesterol? | Population | Reference range | | --- | --- | | age 18+ | 0.000 – 100 mg/dL | Reference intervals differ slightly between labs; the range printed on your report is the one to interpret against. Ranges are usually set so 95% of healthy people fall inside them. ## What does a high LDL Cholesterol mean? LDL cholesterol is the main driver of atherosclerosis; risk rises continuously with the level and the years of exposure. Below 100 mg/dL is optimal for most adults, 130–159 borderline high, 160–189 high, and 190 or above very high — the level at which familial hypercholesterolemia is considered. Diet, weight, hypothyroidism, kidney and liver disease, pregnancy and some medications raise LDL; a non-fasting sample with high triglycerides can distort a calculated LDL. ### Common causes of high LDL Cholesterol 1. Diet high in saturated and trans fats; excess weight 2. Genetics, including familial hypercholesterolemia (LDL ≥190 mg/dL, family history of early heart disease) 3. Hypothyroidism 4. Nephrotic syndrome, cholestatic liver disease 5. Medications: some diuretics, steroids, retinoids, some antipsychotics 6. Pregnancy, menopause ### Symptoms that go with high LDL Cholesterol - None — high LDL is silent until cardiovascular disease develops - Tendon xanthomas or corneal arcus in familial hypercholesterolemia ### What clinicians usually check next - Repeat fasting if the sample wasn't; check TSH - ApoB and lipoprotein(a) for a fuller risk picture - 10-year cardiovascular risk estimate with blood pressure, A1c and smoking status - Family screening when LDL is 190 or higher Follow-up tests at TestWell: [TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/tsh) ($26.99), [TSH + Free T4](https://www.test-well.com/tests/tsh-with-free-t4) ($27.99). **What LDL level is too high?** Under 100 mg/dL is optimal; 160 or above is high and 190 or above very high. Treatment thresholds depend on overall risk, not LDL alone. **Can LDL be high without eating badly?** Yes. Genetics set much of the baseline — familial hypercholesterolemia affects about 1 in 250 people — and thyroid, kidney and liver conditions raise it regardless of diet. ## How often should you retest? After starting or changing a statin or other LDL-lowering treatment, the 2018 AHA/ACC cholesterol guideline calls for a repeat lipid panel 4–12 weeks later to confirm the response, then every 3–12 months once stable. Adults not on treatment are typically re-screened every 4–6 years, sooner with risk factors or a borderline result. ## How do you get tested for LDL Cholesterol? | Order | Type | Price | Includes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Lipid Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/lipid-panel) | Single test | $24.99 | This marker | | [General Wellness Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/general-wellness-panel) | Panel | $49.99 | 4 tests | | [Pre-Diabetes Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/pre-diabetes-panel) | Panel | $89.99 | 5 tests | | [Fatty Liver Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/fatty-liver-panel) | Panel | $92.99 | 6 tests | | [Heart Health Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/heart-health-panel) | Panel | $99.99 | 5 tests | ## Quest vs Labcorp vs BioReference | Lab | Available | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $24.99 | Choose Quest at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | Labcorp | Yes | $24.99 | Choose Labcorp at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $27.99 | New York and New Jersey orders route here automatically — state rules keep Quest and Labcorp from accepting self-ordered draws. | ## Common questions about LDL Cholesterol ### Do I need a doctor's order to test my ldl cholesterol? No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor. ### How long does it take to get LDL Cholesterol results? Most LDL Cholesterol results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal. ### How much does a LDL Cholesterol test cost? Our Lipid Panel starts at $24.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. ### Do I need to fast before my LDL Cholesterol test? Yes — for the most accurate result, fast for 8–12 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine; coffee, food, and supplements are not. Your prep instructions will be included with your order. ### Which lab will process my LDL Cholesterol test? Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations. ## Sources - [American Heart Association](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol) - [2018 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol](https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000625) ## Related biomarkers - [Total Cholesterol](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/total-cholesterol) - [HDL Cholesterol](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hdl-cholesterol) - [Triglycerides](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/triglycerides) - [Non-HDL Cholesterol](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/non-hdl-cholesterol) - [VLDL Cholesterol](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/vldl-cholesterol) - [LDL/HDL Ratio](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ldl-hdl-ratio) - [Reference range lookup tool](https://www.test-well.com/tools/reference-range-lookup) - [Lab unit converter](https://www.test-well.com/tools/lab-unit-converter) - [All biomarkers](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers) --- Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-06. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ldl-cholesterol Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.