Phospholipids Calculator

Estimate phospholipid levels using total lipids or triglyceride-based approximations for research or specialized clinical use.

The Phospholipids Calculator estimates phospholipid levels using total lipids or triglyceride values, aiding in research or evaluation of liver/metabolic disorders.

Formulas:

1. Direct Calculation (If Total Lipids Are Measured)

Phospholipids (mg/dL) = Total Lipids – Total Cholesterol – Triglycerides

2. Triglyceride-Based Estimation

Phospholipids (mg/dL) = 0.2 x Triglycerides (mg/dL)

Assumes phospholipids = 20% of triglycerides (simplified model).

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How to Use the Calculator

1. Input Values:

• Total Lipids (if available).
• Total Cholesterol (mg/dL or mmol/L).
• Triglycerides (mg/dL or mmol/L).

1. Choose Formula:

• Use Formula 1 if total lipids are measured.
• Use Formula 2 for a quick triglyceride-based estimate.

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Example Calculations

Formula 1 (Direct):

• Total Lipids = 600 mg/dL
• Total Cholesterol = 180 mg/dL
• Triglycerides = 150 mg/dL
  Phospholipids = 600 – 180 – 150 = 270 mg/dL}

Formula 2 (Triglyceride-Based):

Phospholipids = 0.2 x 150 = 30 mg/dL

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Normal Phospholipid Ranges

Group	Phospholipids (mg/dL)	Phospholipids (mmol/L)
Adults	150–300	3.9–7.8

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Key Notes

1. Why Estimate?

• Phospholipids are rarely measured directly in routine labs.
• Estimates help in research or specialized cases (e.g., liver disease, genetic lipid disorders).

2. Triglyceride Assumption:

• Phospholipids ≈ 20–25% of triglycerides (varies by diet/metabolism).

3. Unit Conversions:

The different conversion factors (38.67 for cholesterol, Total Lipids, Phospholipids and 88.5 for triglycerides) arise from the molecular weights of these lipids.

Convert mg/dL → mmol/L:

• Phospholipids (mg/dL → mmol/L): Divide by 38.67.
• Total Lipids (mg/dL → mmol/L): Divide by 38.67.
• Cholesterol (mg/dL → mmol/L): Divide by 38.67.
• Triglycerides (mg/dL → mmol/L): Divide by 88.5.

Convert mmol/L → mg/dL :

• Phospholipids (mg/dL → mmol/L): Multiply by 38.67.
• Total Lipids (mg/dL → mmol/L): Multiply by 38.67.
• Cholesterol (mg/dL → mmol/L): Multiply by 38.67.
• Triglycerides (mg/dL → mmol/L): Multiply by 88.5.

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Clinical Relevance

Phospholipid Level	Interpretation
High (>300 mg/dL)	Liver disease, cholestasis
Low (<150 mg/dL)	Malnutrition, malabsorption

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Limitations

• Formula 1: Requires total lipids (not standard in routine tests).
• Formula 2: Overly simplistic; accuracy decreases if triglycerides are abnormal.
• Gold Standard: Direct measurement via thin-layer chromatography (TLC) or enzymatic assays.

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Quick Reference Table

Triglycerides (mg/dL)	Estimated Phospholipids (mg/dL)
100	20
200	40
300	60

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Possible References Used

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