LDL Particle Size
The average or peak size of LDL particles; smaller sizes correspond to 'pattern B'.
| Typical reference range | above 20.5 nm |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
Advanced lipid testing estimates the typical diameter of LDL particles. Larger, buoyant particles are labeled 'pattern A' and smaller, denser particles 'pattern B'. Labcorp NMR reports size in nanometers; Quest ion mobility reports peak size in angstroms (10 angstroms = 1 nm).
Why it matters
Smaller average LDL size indicates a predominance of small dense particles and typically accompanies insulin resistance and high triglycerides. Its prognostic value beyond LDL particle number or ApoB is modest.
What a high result can mean
Larger LDL size is generally seen with low triglycerides and good insulin sensitivity and is not a concern.
What a low result can mean
Small LDL size (pattern B) is associated with high triglycerides, low HDL, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
What affects the result
Size is method-dependent; ion mobility cut-off is roughly 222.9 angstroms (22.3 nm) while NMR uses about 20.5 nm. Lowering triglycerides and improving insulin sensitivity increase average size. Interpret with LDL-P, small LDL-P and triglycerides.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in nm.
- From Angstrom: multiply by 0.1 to get nm
- From A: multiply by 0.1 to get nm
Also called on lab reports
LDL Size, LDL Peak Size, LDL Mean Size
Related tests: Lipids & Cardiovascular Risk
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.