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Oxidized LDL
Access Medical Labs · Doctor's Data · Quest Diagnostics3 test optionsFrom $37.93
Oxidized LDL
Access Medical Labs · Doctor's Data · Quest DiagnosticsCatalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.
What this laboratory test evaluates
Oxidized low density lipoproteins are directly involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary arteries that can result in atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). This test measures plasma levels of oxidized low density lipoproteins (Ox-LDL) using a highly sensitive and specific immunoassay. Plasma levels of Ox-LDL are a sensitive biomarker of atherosclerosis.
Elevated levels of Ox-LDL are associated with accelerated atherogenesis, CAD, acute myocardial infarction, and stable and unstable angina. It's important to note that total cholesterol levels are not necessarily higher than normal in patients with unstable CAD. Elevated Ox-LDL has also been associated with metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, and untreated overt hypothyroidism.
Low density lipoproteins (LDL), the major carrier of circulating cholesterol, are very susceptible to oxidation of the constituent apolipoprotein B-100 moiety by prooxidants such as metal ions, reactive oxygen radicals, oxidized macrophages, lipoxygenase and peroxynitrite. When the LDL protein is oxidized it becomes antigenic and the Ox-LDL are taken up excessively by the unregulated "scavenger" or Ox-LDL receptors on monocyte-derived macrophages. Unoxidized native LDL are not involved in the unregulated uptake process and Ox-LDL is present in macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions but not in normal arteries.
Once macrophages breach the damaged arterial endothelial barrier, the excessive uptake of lipids form Ox-LDL contributes to their entrapment in the sub-endothelial space. The trapped lipid-laden "foam" cells elicit biosynthesis and release of factors by endothelial cells that are pro-inflammatory and chemotactic for other monocytes, perpetuating the atherosclerotic process with injury to the arteries.
Injury to the sub-endothelial vessel walls results in decreased production of nitric oxide and elasticity of the arteries and the damaged lipid-laden arteries eventually narrow, restricting the flow of blood. Increased antioxidant protection and amelioration of oxidative stress would be expected to decrease levels of atherogenic Ox-LDL.
These test results should be interpreted in context with the constellation and severity of symptoms and findings, as well as family history. Direct testing for CAD may be warranted if the level of Ox-LDL is undesirable. Plasma levels of Ox-LDL are a sensitive biomarker of atherosclerosis. Elevated Ox-LDL is associated with accelerated atherogenesis, CAD, acute myocardial infarction, and stable and unstable angina. High Ox-LDL has also been associated with metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, and untreated overt hypothyroidism.
Useful for:• Coronary Artery Disease
• Heart Attack
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Oxidative Stress
Additional test information
Plasma levels of Ox-LDL are a sensitive biomarker of atherosclerosis. Elevated Ox-LDL is associated with accelerated atherogenesis, CAD, acute myocardial infarction, and stable and unstable angina. High Ox-LDL has also been associated with metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, and untreated overt hypothyroidism.
Collection and processing
- Sample type: Serum
- Fasting: Yes
- Estimated laboratory processing: Results should arrive 5 to 7 days after the lab receives samples.
How Sunridge uses laboratory information
Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.
Before requesting this test
Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.
Common questions about this laboratory test
- What sample does this test require?
- The listed sample type is Plasma, Serum. Confirm current collection instructions in the approved order.
- Does this test require fasting?
- The current catalog record lists fasting as: Yes. Follow the instructions supplied with the approved order.
- How long does laboratory processing usually take?
- Results should arrive 5 to 7 days after the lab receives samples.. Timing can change after collection or if a laboratory requires additional review.
About this test
Oxidized low density lipoproteins are directly involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary arteries that can result in atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). This test measures plasma levels of oxidized low density lipoproteins (Ox-LDL) using a highly sensitive and specific immunoassay. Plasma levels of Ox-LDL are a sensitive biomarker of atherosclerosis.
Elevated levels of Ox-LDL are associated with accelerated atherogenesis, CAD, acute myocardial infarction, and stable and unstable angina. It's important to note that total cholesterol levels are not necessarily higher than normal in patients with unstable CAD. Elevated Ox-LDL has also been associated with metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, and untreated overt hypothyroidism.
Low density lipoproteins (LDL), the major carrier of circulating cholesterol, are very susceptible to oxidation of the constituent apolipoprotein B-100 moiety by prooxidants such as metal ions, reactive oxygen radicals, oxidized macrophages, lipoxygenase and peroxynitrite. When the LDL protein is oxidized it becomes antigenic and the Ox-LDL are taken up excessively by the unregulated "scavenger" or Ox-LDL receptors on monocyte-derived macrophages. Unoxidized native LDL are not involved in the unregulated uptake process and Ox-LDL is present in macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions but not in normal arteries.
Once macrophages breach the damaged arterial endothelial barrier, the excessive uptake of lipids form Ox-LDL contributes to their entrapment in the sub-endothelial space. The trapped lipid-laden "foam" cells elicit biosynthesis and release of factors by endothelial cells that are pro-inflammatory and chemotactic for other monocytes, perpetuating the atherosclerotic process with injury to the arteries.
Injury to the sub-endothelial vessel walls results in decreased production of nitric oxide and elasticity of the arteries and the damaged lipid-laden arteries eventually narrow, restricting the flow of blood. Increased antioxidant protection and amelioration of oxidative stress would be expected to decrease levels of atherogenic Ox-LDL.
These test results should be interpreted in context with the constellation and severity of symptoms and findings, as well as family history. Direct testing for CAD may be warranted if the level of Ox-LDL is undesirable. Plasma levels of Ox-LDL are a sensitive biomarker of atherosclerosis. Elevated Ox-LDL is associated with accelerated atherogenesis, CAD, acute myocardial infarction, and stable and unstable angina. High Ox-LDL has also been associated with metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, and untreated overt hypothyroidism.
Useful for:• Coronary Artery Disease
• Heart Attack
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Oxidative Stress
Additional details
Plasma levels of Ox-LDL are a sensitive biomarker of atherosclerosis. Elevated Ox-LDL is associated with accelerated atherogenesis, CAD, acute myocardial infarction, and stable and unstable angina. High Ox-LDL has also been associated with metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, and untreated overt hypothyroidism.
Highlighted health areas
- Cardiovascular
- Nutrition
Biomarkers and report focus
The exact analytes and report format can change. Confirm the current contents in the Fullscript order before payment.
- OxLDL