---
title: Small LDL Particle Test
type: biomarker
url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/small-ldl-particle"
also_known_as:
  - small ldl-p
  - small ldl particle
  - small ldl
category: Heart Health
units:
  - nmol/L
order_price_usd: 70.99
order_item: Advanced Cholesterol Particle Test (NMR)
order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/nmr-lipoprofile"
reviewed_at: 2026-09-05
---

# Small LDL Particle

> 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.

Also known as: small ldl-p, small ldl particle, small ldl.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Units | nmol/L |
| Sample | Blood draw |
| Fasting | 8–12 hours |
| Results | 3–5 business days |
| Price | $70.99 |
| Labs | Labcorp |

## What does Small LDL Particle measure?

The count of small, dense LDL particles — the most atherogenic LDL subtype.

## What is the normal range for Small LDL Particle?

| Population | Reference range |
| --- | --- |
| age 18+ | 0.000 – 527 nmol/L |

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 Small LDL Particle mean?

Often reflects insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome and adds risk beyond LDL-C alone.

## How do you get tested for Small LDL Particle?

| Order | Type | Price | Includes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Advanced Cholesterol Particle Test (NMR)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/nmr-lipoprofile) | Single test | $70.99 | This marker |

## Quest vs Labcorp vs BioReference

| Lab | Available | Price | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Quest Diagnostics | No | — | Not offered through Quest for this test. |
| Labcorp | Yes | $70.99 | Choose Labcorp at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — | Not available in NY/NJ for this test. |

- [What a high Small LDL Particle means (causes, symptoms, next steps)](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/small-ldl-particle/high)

## Common questions about Small LDL Particle

### Do I need a doctor's order to test my small ldl particle?

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 Small LDL Particle results?

Most Small LDL Particle 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 Small LDL Particle test cost?

Our Advanced Cholesterol Particle Test (NMR) starts at $70.99. 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 Small LDL Particle 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 Small LDL Particle 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

- [Quest Diagnostics](https://testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-detail/91716/cardio-iq-ion-mobility-lipoprotein-fractionation)
- [Testing.com (AACC) — LDL-P Test: A LDL Particle Number](https://www.testing.com/tests/ldl-particle-testing/)

## Related biomarkers

- [Apolipoprotein B](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/apolipoprotein-b)
- [Lipoprotein(a)](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/lipoprotein-a)
- [NT-proBNP](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/nt-probnp)
- [Homocysteine](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/homocysteine)
- [LDL Particle Number](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ldl-particle-number)
- [LDL Particle Size](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ldl-particle-size)

- [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 2026-09-05. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md

Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/small-ldl-particle
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.