Small LDL Particle levels: what's normal, high and low
The count of small, dense LDL particles — the most atherogenic LDL subtype.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Small LDL Particle is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 527 nmol/L. At TestWell it's $70.99 all-in as Advanced Cholesterol Particle Test (NMR), results in 3–5 business days, drawn at Labcorp. 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
- $70.99
- Labs
- Labcorp
Small LDL Particle 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 – 527 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 Small LDL Particle result may mean
Often reflects insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome and adds risk beyond LDL-C alone.
What a high Small LDL Particle 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 Small LDL Particle test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Small LDL Particle is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cholesterol Particle Test (NMR) | This marker only | $70.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Small LDL Particle: 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 | No | — |
| Labcorp | Yes | $70.99 |
| 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 Small LDL Particle.
Frequently asked
Often reflects insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome and adds risk beyond LDL-C alone. 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 small ldl particle?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $70.99.