LDL Particle Number levels: what's normal, high and low
The actual count of LDL particles. A more direct measure of atherogenic burden than LDL cholesterol.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
LDL Particle Number is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 1000 nmol/L. At TestWell it's $90.99 all-in as Advanced Lipid Panel, results in 3–5 business days, drawn at Quest. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- nmol/L
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- 8–12 hours
- Results
- 3–5 business days
- Price
- $90.99
- Labs
- Quest
LDL Particle Number Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 0.000 – 1000 nmol/L |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
What your LDL Particle Number result may mean
Above 1000 nmol/L is considered above optimal; above 1600 is high. A leading risk marker when LDL-C and LDL-P disagree.
What a high LDL Particle Number means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
How do you get a LDL Particle Number test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. LDL Particle Number is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Lipid Panel | This marker only | $90.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for LDL Particle Number: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $90.99 |
| Labcorp | No | — |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Heart Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside LDL Particle Number.
Frequently asked
Above 1000 nmol/L is considered above optimal; above 1600 is high. A leading risk marker when LDL-C and LDL-P disagree. A single result above the reference range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician — often a repeat test and related markers — not a diagnosis on its own.
Ready to test your ldl particle number?
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