HDL Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Substance Concentration
Measures high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in blood, often as part of a lipid panel, to help assess cardiovascular risk.
["HDL cholesterol, sometimes called “good cholesterol,” is one part of a broader assessment of heart and blood-vessel risk."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14646-4
- Short code
- HDLc SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- HDLc SerPl-sCnc
- 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 cholesterol carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in your blood. HDL helps transport cholesterol away from blood vessels to the liver, so it is often referred to as “good cholesterol.” It is usually reported with a complete lipid panel.
Why might I need this test?
HDL cholesterol is measured to help assess your risk of heart disease and stroke. Your clinician will interpret it alongside LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, medical history, and other risk factors.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, usually from a vein in your arm, and analyzed in a laboratory. The test is generally performed as part of a lipid panel.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required for routine HDL cholesterol testing, but follow your clinician’s instructions if the test is part of a complete lipid panel. Tell your clinician if you have recently been ill, changed your diet or exercise routine, 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 levels are generally associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, while lower levels may indicate increased risk. Low HDL can be related to genetics, smoking, diet, physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes, or other health conditions. A single result does not diagnose heart disease, and HDL should be interpreted together with the rest of your lipid panel and your overall 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?
Can I improve 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