High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of cholesterol carried by high-density lipoprotein in blood as part of a cholesterol or lipid assessment.
["HDL cholesterol helps assess cardiovascular risk, with higher levels generally considered protective and lower levels associated with increased risk."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2573-4
- Short code
- HDL SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- HDL SerPl-mCnc
- 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 HDL cholesterol in serum or plasma. HDL is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol between tissues and the liver, and its level is considered alongside total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides when assessing cardiovascular risk.
Why might I need this test?
HDL cholesterol may be ordered for a routine lipid profile, during a heart-health screening, or when monitoring cholesterol-related risk or treatment. Your clinician interprets the result with your other cholesterol measurements, medical history, and risk factors.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, usually from a vein, and the laboratory measures the mass concentration of HDL cholesterol. It is typically reported as part of a lipid profile and may be analyzed using an enzymatic method.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about fasting, because food can affect lipid measurements. If fasting is requested, water is usually acceptable. Do not stop prescribed medications unless your clinician specifically advises you to do so.
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 lower HDL cholesterol level may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially when other risk factors are present. A higher level is generally viewed as protective, but HDL results do not determine heart risk by themselves and should be interpreted with LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and overall health history.
Short name
HDL cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Is HDL cholesterol the same as “good” cholesterol?
Do I need to fast for an HDL cholesterol test?
How can I improve a low HDL cholesterol level?
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.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy