HDL Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Ultracentrifugation, Mass Concentration
Measures high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in blood using ultracentrifugation, a method commonly used to separate cholesterol-carrying particles.
["HDL cholesterol helps assess cardiovascular risk; higher levels are generally considered protective."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18263-4
- Short code
- HDLc SerPl.Ultracent-mCnc
- Synonyms
- HDLc SerPl.Ultracent-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 cholesterol carried by high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in your blood. HDL is often called “good cholesterol” because it helps transport cholesterol away from artery walls to the liver.
Why might I need this test?
An HDL cholesterol test is usually part of a lipid panel or heart-risk assessment. The result is considered together with total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and your overall health history.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected from a vein and analyzed in the laboratory. Ultracentrifugation separates HDL particles from other blood components so their cholesterol content can be measured.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician’s fasting instructions. Some lipid tests are measured without fasting, while others may require you to avoid food and drinks other than water for 9 to 12 hours. Continue medications unless your clinician tells you 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 higher HDL cholesterol level is generally associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, although HDL does not prevent heart disease by itself. A lower level may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk, especially when LDL cholesterol or triglycerides are also elevated. Your clinician will interpret this result alongside your other cholesterol measurements and risk factors.
Short name
HDL Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
What does HDL stand for?
Is a higher HDL cholesterol result always better?
Do I need to fast before this test?
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