High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol Mass Fraction, Serum/Plasma
This blood test measures the amount of HDL cholesterol in your blood. HDL helps carry cholesterol away from arteries and is often included in a lipid panel.
["HDL cholesterol is generally considered protective for heart health, but it is best interpreted with your other cholesterol results."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15121-7
- Short code
- HDL MFr SerPl
- Synonyms
- HDL MFr SerPl
- Category
- liver
- 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 high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in your blood. HDL is a type of cholesterol-carrying particle that helps move cholesterol from tissues back toward the liver.
Why might I need this test?
HDL cholesterol is usually measured as part of a lipid panel to assess cardiovascular risk. It may also be checked when monitoring cholesterol treatment, weight-management efforts, or conditions that can affect blood lipids.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein and analyzed in a laboratory using a method that separates and measures the cholesterol in HDL. It is often performed together with total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about fasting. For a lipid panel, fasting for about 9 to 12 hours may be requested, and water is generally allowed; avoid alcohol and high-fat meals during the fasting period. If you are unsure whether to fast, ask your healthcare provider.
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, while lower levels may indicate increased cardiovascular risk. Results should be interpreted with LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, medical history, and other risk factors rather than alone. Very high values can occur in some people and may warrant additional evaluation depending on the clinical context.
Short name
HDL cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Is a high HDL cholesterol result always good?
Do I need to fast for an HDL cholesterol test?
Can lifestyle changes affect 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