High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
This blood test measures the amount of cholesterol carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL), a type of cholesterol associated with cardiovascular health.
["HDL cholesterol is one part of a complete cholesterol panel and is interpreted along with LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and other risk factors."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2085-9
- Short code
- HDLc SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- HDLc 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?
HDL cholesterol measures the amount of cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein particles in your blood. HDL helps transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for processing.
Why might I need this test?
This test is usually part of a lipid panel to help assess cardiovascular risk. Your healthcare professional may also order it to monitor cholesterol levels, weight changes, diabetes, or treatment effects.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected from a vein, usually from the arm, and sent to a laboratory. The laboratory measures the amount of cholesterol in HDL using a laboratory testing method.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your healthcare professional's instructions about fasting. Some lipid tests are more accurate after fasting, while others do not require it. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, have had a recent illness, or are taking cholesterol-lowering medicines.
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.
Higher HDL cholesterol is generally associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, but it does not eliminate the risk and should not be interpreted by itself. Low HDL cholesterol can occur with conditions such as diabetes, obesity, smoking, or certain inherited disorders. HDL levels can also change with diet, physical activity, weight changes, and medications, so results should be reviewed with your healthcare professional.
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 improve 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