High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
This blood test measures high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, a type of cholesterol that helps transport cholesterol away from the arteries.
["HDL cholesterol helps assess cardiovascular risk, but the result should be interpreted with your other cholesterol measurements and health history."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57937-5
- Short code
- HDLc 3a SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- HDLc 3a SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- lipid
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 40
- Ref high
- 60
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83700
- SNOMED
- 113079008
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures the amount of HDL cholesterol in a blood sample. HDL is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol between tissues and the liver. It is often called “good cholesterol” because higher HDL levels are generally associated with lower cardiovascular risk.
Why might I need this test?
HDL cholesterol is usually measured as part of a lipid panel or comprehensive metabolic panel. A clinician may use it to assess cardiovascular risk, monitor changes in cholesterol levels, or guide lifestyle or treatment decisions.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, usually by venipuncture from a vein in your arm. The laboratory separates the blood components and measures the HDL cholesterol concentration in the serum or plasma portion.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician’s instructions about fasting. Some lipid tests are performed after fasting, while others can be done without it. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, recently ill, or taking a medication that could affect your cholesterol results.
Reference range
Adult males: >40 mg/dL; Females: >50 mg/dLN/A
Fasting for 12-14 hours preferred. Water is permitted. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A low HDL cholesterol level may indicate increased cardiovascular risk, particularly when LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, or diabetes are also elevated. A high HDL level is generally viewed as favorable, but it does not eliminate cardiovascular risk. Your clinician should interpret this result with the rest of your lipid panel and your overall health history.
Short name
HDL cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Is HDL cholesterol the same as total cholesterol?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can lifestyle changes increase HDL cholesterol?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy