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Lipid Panel

LDL Cholesterol

Normal range < 100 optimal mg/dL (< 2.6 optimal mmol/L SI). Specimen: Serum (fasting).

Also known as: low-density lipoprotein, bad cholesterol.

< 100 optimal mg/dLReference range

Reference range

This result is reported qualitatively or as a one-sided threshold rather than a two-sided numeric band.

Combined adult band. LabVals does not publish separate men's, women's, or pediatric ranges for LDL Cholesterol; those can be narrower than the band shown.

LDL Cholesterol reference range, specimen, and conversion details
SpecimenSerum (fasting)
Conventional range< 100 optimal mg/dL
SI range< 2.6 optimal mmol/L
Conversion factor×0.0259 (conventional → SI)
PanelLipid Panel

Convert any LDL Cholesterol result between units on the unit converter.

What is the normal range for LDL Cholesterol?

The standard teaching reference range for LDL Cholesterol is < 100 optimal mg/dL in conventional units, or < 2.6 optimal mmol/L in SI units. This value is measured in serum (fasting).

Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population - always use the range printed on the actual result.

At the bedside

Nursing considerations

  • The primary target for cardiovascular risk reduction.
  • Optimal < 100; < 70 for very high-risk patients.
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