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Choose collection locationBiochemistry · Individual laboratory test
Cholesterol, LDL (Direct)
This test measures LDL cholesterol directly. It can be useful when the clinician wants a measured value rather than an estimate from the lipid panel.
Price for this test on its ownAED 115Test price AED 15
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Direct LDL Cholesterol test measure?
Also called Bad (LDL) Cholesterol
A direct measurement may help when a calculated LDL is difficult to interpret, including particular triglyceride patterns. Previous results can help assess response to treatment.
When it may be requested
An uncertain estimate
The clinician may choose direct LDL when the usual calculation is less reliable.
Tracking treatment
An earlier LDL measured by a comparable method helps show response across time.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
Arrange the instructed overnight fast with plain water only. Tell the clinician about recent illness or a change in lipid treatment so direct LDL is compared under similar conditions.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideCholesterol, LDL (Direct)
Reading your result
The laboratory reports the cholesterol carried within LDL particles. A clinician determines the significance of that concentration in the context of personal cardiovascular risk.
What can affect it
- A direct LDL result describes cholesterol in LDL particles, not the number of particles or whether an artery is narrowed.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testCholesterol, LDL (Direct)
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Cholesterol, LDL (Direct) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Identify which earlier reports used direct LDL and which calculated it. This makes changes over time easier to interpret.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Basic Health CheckupLipid / Cholesterol Profile
Basic Health CheckupBasic Wellness
Basic Health CheckupBasic Health CheckupSee all 12 packages
Advanced Health PackagesAdvanced Health Checkup
Advanced Health PackagesMenopause Profile
Advanced Health PackagesExecutive Health Checkup
Advanced Health PackagesObesity Profile
Advanced Health PackagesPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Advanced Health PackagesElite Health Checkup
Advanced Health PackagesExtensive Cardiac Function
Advanced Health PackagesFitness Profile
Advanced Health PackagesMaster Health CheckupClinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Why compare direct LDL with my other cholesterol results?
LDL describes the cholesterol carried by one group of particles. Triglycerides, HDL and cardiovascular history help determine what that value means for you.
Can diet alone bring LDL down?
Changing what you eat and being physically active can help lower LDL. Whether that is enough depends on your starting level and cardiovascular risk. Many people with inherited high cholesterol also need prescribed treatment.
What does a low LDL cholesterol result mean?
Most often it means statins or other lipid-lowering treatment are working as intended. Without treatment, a low LDL can reflect an overactive thyroid, malnutrition or malabsorption, advanced liver disease, or a recent severe illness or major surgery. Rare inherited conditions can also keep LDL very low lifelong.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore health packages.
Open a package to see exactly which tests it includes.
Lipid / Cholesterol Profile
Total cholesterol, HDL, directly measured LDL, VLDL and triglycerides from one blood sample.
- biomarkers
- 5
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 89
Explore packageExtensive Cardiac Function
An in-depth cardiovascular risk panel combining advanced cardiac markers with a full general health screen.
- biomarkers
- 73
- Samples
- Blood + Urine
- Listed turnaround
- 48 hours
AED 599
Explore packageBasic Health Checkup
Blood count, liver, kidney, cholesterol, blood sugar and urine tests: the essentials in one visit.
- biomarkers
- 63
- Samples
- Blood + Urine
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 199
Explore packageBasic Wellness
A complete blood count with liver enzymes, cholesterol, kidney markers and fasting blood sugar from one blood sample.
- biomarkers
- 31
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 129
Explore packageChoosing for a particular need?
We can help you read the options.
Your next step
Direct LDL Cholesterol test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.