High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
Measures HDL cholesterol in serum or plasma. HDL helps transport cholesterol away from arteries and is commonly assessed as part of a lipid profile.
["HDL cholesterol is one part of your lipid profile and is interpreted together with other cholesterol and triglyceride results."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35197-3
- Short code
- HDLc SerPl-msCnc
- Synonyms
- HDLc SerPl-msCnc
- 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 blood test measures the amount of cholesterol carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL is often called “good cholesterol” because it helps move cholesterol away from the walls of arteries and back toward the liver.
Why might I need this test?
HDL cholesterol is usually measured as part of a lipid profile to help assess cardiovascular risk. Your clinician may also order it to monitor cholesterol-lowering treatment, weight changes, diabetes management, or other factors that can affect heart health.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein and tested in a laboratory to determine the concentration of HDL cholesterol. The sample may be analyzed as serum or plasma, depending on the laboratory method.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician’s instructions about fasting. Some lipid profiles are measured without fasting, while others may require you to fast beforehand. Drinking water and taking medications as directed are generally appropriate unless your clinician says otherwise.
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 be associated with increased cardiovascular risk, particularly when low HDL occurs together with high LDL cholesterol or triglycerides, high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking. A high HDL level is generally viewed as favorable, but HDL alone does not determine overall cardiovascular risk. Results should be interpreted by your clinician using the complete lipid profile and your medical history.
Short name
HDL Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Is HDL cholesterol the same as total cholesterol?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What can affect my 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