LDL CHOLESTEROL IS A TYPE OF BAD CHOLESTEROL THAT CAN BUILD UP IN YOUR BLOOD VESSELS, INCREASING YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE AND STROKE. A DIRECT LDL CHOLESTEROL TEST MEASURES THE AMOUNT OF LDL CHOLESTEROL DIRECTLY IN YOUR BLOOD, PROVIDING A MORE ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF YOUR RISK COMPARED TO ESTIMATED LDL CHOLESTEROL LEVELS CALCULATED FROM OTHER LIPID MEASUREMENTS. THIS TEST IS PARTICULARLY USEFUL FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT LIPID METABOLISM OR THOSE AT HIGH RISK FOR HEART DISEASE.

THE TEST IS USED TO DISTINGUISH TOBACCO USERS FROM NON-USERS. THE ASSAY DETECTS COTININE, A MAJOR METABOLITE OF NICOTINE.