Changes to lipid profile reporting in Clinical Biochemistry

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a calculated test result field on lipid profiles reported in the Clinical Biochemistry department. This test field is used in the assessment of cardiovascular risk.

From 18 May 2026, there will be a change in the calculation of LDL cholesterol from the Friedewald formula to the Sampson formula (Sampson et al, JAMA Cardiology, 2020). The Sampson calculation is considered to be more accurate than the Friedewald formula, and will allow the reporting of LDL Cholesterol to higher concentrations of triglyceride (up to 9.0mmol/L, this is currently restricted to up to 4.5mmol/L). 

For most patients, the calculation does not significantly change the LDL cholesterol concentration (the difference is ≤0.2mmol/L in a majority of patients).

For further information on this change please contact the Clinical Biochemistry laboratory by email: peh-tr.chemimm@nhs.net.