Hdl Cholesterol
The HDL cholesterol test measures the level of high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) in your blood, which helps assess your risk for heart disease.
{"HDL is often called 'good cholesterol' because it helps remove excess cholesterol from blood vessels","Higher HDL levels are associated with lower risk of heart disease and stroke","Normal HDL levels are typically above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women","The test is performed on a blood sample, usually after fasting for 9-12 hours","Exercise, healthy diet, and quitting smoking can help increase HDL levels"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2085-9
- Short code
- HDL-C
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- lipid
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum Separator Tube (SST)
- Units
- mg/dL
- Ref low
- 40
- Ref high
- 60
- Critical range
- 20 mg/dL – 100 mg/dL
- Fasting
- true
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- enzymatic
- CPT
- 83718
- SNOMED
- 397345006
- Specimen volume
- 3.5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 72 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 3 months
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
What is this test?
The HDL cholesterol test measures the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in your blood. HDL is often called 'good cholesterol' because it plays a crucial role in transporting cholesterol away from artery walls and back to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated from the body.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. You may be asked to fast for 9-12 hours before the test for accurate results. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The result is reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Why is it important?
HDL cholesterol helps protect your heart and blood vessels. It acts as a cleanup crew, removing excess cholesterol from your arteries and preventing the buildup of plaque that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Having higher HDL levels is generally associated with better cardiovascular health.
Reference range
>= 40 (men) / >= 50 (women)mg/dL
Patient must fast for 9-12 hours prior to collection. Water consumption is permitted. Avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours before testing. Refrain from strenuous exercise 24 hours before collection. Inform healthcare provider of current medications including statins, fibrates, niacin, and hormone replacement therapy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
HDL
Part of panels
Frequently asked questions
What are normal HDL cholesterol levels?
How can I improve my HDL levels?
Do I need to fast before the HDL test?
Can HDL be too high?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy