The LipoScreen LDL Subfractions Test is an advanced cardiovascular blood test that analyses the size and distribution of LDL cholesterol particles. It helps identify highly atherogenic small, dense LDL particles that may increase heart disease risk, even when standard cholesterol results appear normal.
No consult or referral required
Free shipping and prepaid return
NATA-accredited laboratory
Secure SSL checkout
ExcellentTrustpilot
I love the way I can order my own testsTheo B.Customer service was top notchPatrick W.I literally had my results back the same dayLaura B.I wasn't aware that a service like this existed. It's amazing!Jacci Y.Got a response from a human within 15 minutesPhil T.
The value
Why it's worth knowing
LDL is not one thing
Your LDL number is an average across seven different particle types. Some are large and relatively harmless. Others are small, dense and far more likely to lodge in an artery wall.
LDL-1 through LDL-7, plus your LDL phenotype
This separates every LDL subfraction and gives you a phenotype: Pattern A (mostly large, lower risk) or Pattern B (mostly small and dense, higher risk). One number cannot tell you this.
VLDL and IDL fractions included
Very low density and intermediate density lipoproteins are part of the atherogenic picture and are almost never measured in routine testing. Twenty-one markers in total.
Lp(a) for inherited risk
Lp(a) is largely genetic and worth knowing once in your life. It is included here alongside your full lipid profile and key ratios.
When a normal cholesterol result does not add up
A clean LDL with a Pattern B phenotype is a very different situation from a clean LDL with Pattern A. This is what changes the interpretation.
Walk in, no referral, results in 7-10 days
Walk into any of our 3,300+ collection centres at a time that suits. Results straight to your inbox.
Australia's easiest at-home testing
Get your at-home test in three simple steps
One price covers your kit, testing and results. It really is that easy.
1
Step one
Order online
Choose your at-home test kit and order online in minutes. No practitioner consult, GP referral or appointment needed.
2
Step two
Kit arrives at your door
Your test kit is posted to you within 1 to 3 business days with everything you need and step-by-step instructions.
3
Step three
Collect your sample and post it back
Collect your sample at home in 5 to 15 minutes, then post it back in the pre-paid return mailer. Your results are sent privately to your inbox.
M
See exactly how it worksMediTests walkthrough, under a minute
Everything's included. Step-by-step instructions, all collection materials and a pre-paid return mailer. No consult required, no gatekeeping.
★★★★★5.0 from 50+ verified reviews
Trusted by everyday Australians
Thousands of Aussies trust MediTests to make blood testing fast, easy and stress-free.
FAQs
Common questions
You order your at-home test kit online, it is posted to you within 1 to 3 business days, you collect your sample at home in 5 to 15 minutes and post it back in the pre-paid return mailer. Your sample goes to a NATA-accredited Australian laboratory and your results are sent privately to your inbox. No practitioner consult, GP referral or clinic visit is needed.
No. MediTests is a private, self-request service. You order online and receive your referral instantly. No GP visit required, no Medicare needed.
At-home test results typically take 2 to 4 weeks from when your sample reaches the lab. The exact timing depends on the test (microbiome mapping, methylation and metabolomics testing all require more advanced lab processes than standard bloodwork). You'll receive the full pathology report by email once it's ready.
Once you order, your kit is posted directly to your address within 1 to 3 business days. The kit includes everything you need (collection materials, step-by-step instructions, plus a pre-paid return mailer). No collection centre visit required.
No. The price you see includes the referral, the testing and your results. No consultation fees, no lab charges, no surprises.
Our team reviews every report. If anything stands out, we'll flag it and recommend taking your results to a practitioner (dietitian, naturopath or integrative GP) for proper interpretation in the context of your medical history.
Yes. Each kit comes with clear, step-by-step instructions designed to be simple to follow. Most samples take 5 to 15 minutes to collect. The instructions cover exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to package your sample for return. If anything's unclear, our team is available to help.
If your sample is compromised on collection or arrives at the lab unsuitable for testing, we'll send you a replacement kit at no additional charge. The instructions are designed to make collection easy and reliable, but mistakes happen and we've built the process to handle them. Just let us know.
Your kit includes a pre-paid return mailer. Once your sample is collected, package it as the instructions show and drop it at any Australia Post box or post office. Some samples have specific shipping requirements (e.g., temperature-sensitive samples) and instructions for these are included with the kit.
About this test
Questions about the LipoScreen LDL Subfractions Test
Extra answers specific to this test.
It measures 21 results: a lipid study (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and three ratios), lipoprotein(a), VLDL, three intermediate density subfractions, seven LDL subfractions from LDL-1 to LDL-7, an overall LDL phenotype pattern and the mean LDL particle size. Routine lipid testing reports LDL as a single figure. This separates it into the individual particle sizes making up that figure, and smaller, denser LDL particles have been associated with higher cardiovascular risk than larger particles carrying the same amount of cholesterol. It sits outside standard cholesterol testing, where ApoB and non-HDL cholesterol are the measures Australian pathology guidance focuses on.
The standard lipid results included here are usually repeated around 3 months after any change. Lipoprotein(a) is included and is the exception, since your level is largely set by your genes and stays fairly stable through life, so for most people it is measured once and does not need repeating. There is no established retesting interval for the subfraction results themselves.
This test describes how your LDL particles are sized and distributed, across 21 results. The Oxidised LDL Test measures 1 result, how much of your LDL has been chemically altered by oxidation. Particle size and oxidation are two different things, which is why a combined version of this test exists covering both.
Ready to get started?
Know exactly where you stand.
Get your blood test online today. No consult or referral required, with results in 24 to 48 hours. The easiest way to get a blood test in Australia.
No consult or referral required
24 to 48 hour results
NATA-accredited labs
Trustpilot
Rated Excellent on TrustpilotRated 5.0 out of 5 based on 14 reviews
More reviews from real customers
Hundreds of Australians have skipped the referral and the waiting, and taken control of their health with MediTests.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A very positive experience
I booked a blood test because my health insurance did not cover GP consultations. The referral form was emailed to me immediately, I walked into a collection centre the next morning and my results arrived the very next day. One result showed an elevated TSH level and because I was pregnant, a doctor from their Sydney office personally called me to talk it through. It made me feel they genuinely cared.
L
Lisa Tong Verified review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Could not have been better
I've been in remission from Graves Disease for a few years and suddenly had symptoms again. It was easy to choose and purchase the test I needed at a reasonable price and set up the appointment online for the next day. The lab tech was friendly and put me entirely at ease, and the results were delivered electronically within a day or two. Could not have been better.
R
Robin Verified review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
These guys are brilliant
Ordered the test, got the referral letter within 20 minutes. Got the test done on a Saturday and had the results by Sunday evening. Seriously efficient and very quick.
J
Josh Cornell Verified review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Efficient from start to finish
I selected and ordered the tests I wanted online, then dropped into the clinic for the blood draw during my lunch break. The process was quick and efficient, and by lunchtime the following day my results had been emailed directly to me. Fast, convenient and hassle-free.
A
Andrew Smith Verified review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Brilliant service
Absolutely loved that I got to choose what blood tests I wanted. There is a huge selection and the process was very simple. My results arrived very quickly in my email and I'd definitely use again and recommend to friends and family.
S
Sara Braithwaite Verified review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Perfect for a busy family
As a busy working family, we are regular users of MediTests. Excellent, hassle free service for those in between tests or ongoing monitoring. Saves money through less costly doctors visits and time off work where appropriate. Highly recommend.
F
Family user Verified review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great pricing
Great pricing, with easy optional extras by checking a box for more comprehensive tests without having to get a top tier package like other companies offer. Fast, efficient and clear results.
J
Jarren Verified review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic service
Excellent, convenient service and so easy to use. Amazingly quick results and a personalised service if needed. I could not fault any part of it.
A
Angelique Richards Verified review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great option and perfect service
Easy check out of the test on the website, easy to get the test done and results came quickly. Good to get an idea of any issues as a prep before seeing the GP.
K
Kris Verified review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Very simple and easy
It was very simple and easy. I got my results back within a few hours, a lot quicker than I was expecting. There were a lot of locations I could go to for my blood test. Highly recommend.
E
Elizabeth Verified review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Very professional and quick
Very professional, very quick, I can't fault anything. I'll be happy to do another one when the time comes.
E
Elliott Verified review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
The ease of the whole experience
The ease of the whole experience, and the quick turnaround with results. Exactly what I was after.
T
Troy Verified review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Reliable and no prescription needed
It is a reliable method to get a blood test without the doctor's prescription. The whole thing was easy to organise and I'd happily use it again.
N
Naleenda Chamara Verified review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Very efficient and convenient
Very efficient and convenient from start to finish. Exactly the kind of easy, no-fuss service I was hoping for.
R
Rafael Montero Verified review
LipoScreen LDL Subfractions Test
The LipoScreen LDL Subfractions Test provides a detailed assessment of cardiovascular risk by measuring the size and distribution of LDL cholesterol particles, rather than simply reporting your total LDL cholesterol level. Research has shown that small, dense LDL particles are significantly more atherogenic than larger LDL particles and may contribute to plaque formation within the arteries.
In addition to measuring traditional cholesterol markers, this test analyses VLDL, IDL and seven individual LDL subfractions, as well as LDL phenotype and mean particle size. It is particularly useful for people with elevated cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, a family history of cardiovascular disease or anyone seeking a more comprehensive assessment of their heart health beyond a standard lipid profile.
What we test for
Total Cholesterol: Measures the total amount of cholesterol circulating in your blood and provides an overall assessment of cardiovascular health.
Triglycerides: Measures circulating blood fats that contribute to cardiovascular and metabolic health.
HDL Cholesterol: Measures high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly known as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
LDL Cholesterol: Measures low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol due to its association with plaque formation in arteries.
Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL): Measures triglyceride-rich lipoproteins that contribute to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease risk when elevated.
Intermediate-Density Lipoprotein (IDL-1, IDL-2 & IDL-3): Measures intermediate lipoprotein particles that can contribute to plaque formation and provide additional insight into lipid metabolism.
LDL-1: Measures the largest, most buoyant LDL particles, generally considered less atherogenic.
LDL-2: Measures large LDL particles that are associated with lower cardiovascular risk than smaller LDL particles.
LDL-3: Measures small, dense LDL particles that are strongly associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
LDL-4: Measures very small LDL particles associated with increased plaque formation and cardiovascular risk.
LDL-5: Measures highly dense LDL particles that contribute to advanced cardiovascular risk assessment.
LDL-6: Measures one of the smallest LDL particle subclasses associated with highly atherogenic lipid profiles.
LDL-7: Measures the smallest and densest LDL particles included in the LipoScreen analysis.
LDL Phenotype Pattern: Classifies your LDL profile into Type A or Type B patterns, helping identify whether your LDL particles are predominantly large and buoyant or small and dense.
Mean LDL Particle Size: Measures the average size of LDL particles, with smaller particle sizes generally associated with greater cardiovascular disease risk.
Reasons to get this test
LDL is not one thing Your LDL number is an average across seven different particle types. Some are large and relatively harmless. Others are small, dense and far more likely to lodge in an artery wall.
LDL-1 through LDL-7, plus your LDL phenotype This separates every LDL subfraction and gives you a phenotype: Pattern A (mostly large, lower risk) or Pattern B (mostly small and dense, higher risk). One number cannot tell you this.
VLDL and IDL fractions included Very low density and intermediate density lipoproteins are part of the atherogenic picture and are almost never measured in routine testing. Twenty-one markers in total.
Lp(a) for inherited risk Lp(a) is largely genetic and worth knowing once in your life. It is included here alongside your full lipid profile and key ratios.
When a normal cholesterol result does not add up A clean LDL with a Pattern B phenotype is a very different situation from a clean LDL with Pattern A. This is what changes the interpretation.
Walk in, no referral, results in 7-10 days Walk into any of our 3,300+ collection centres at a time that suits. Results straight to your inbox.
How it works
1. Receive your referral instantly after purchase
2. Quick blood test at your local collection centre
3. Results to your inbox within 1-2 days
Unlock coupon
Get 10% off your first blood test
Get updates on our new blood panels and join the community.
Please enter a valid email address.
You're in! Your code isAUSHEALTH10Tap the code to copy it, then use it at checkout.
Unlock coupon
Get 10% off your first at-home test kit
Collected at home, posted back, results to your inbox. No clinic visit needed.
Please enter a valid email address.
You're in! Your code isYOUR CODETap the code to copy it, then use it at checkout.
