Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma
Measures LDL and HDL cholesterol in blood to help assess cardiovascular risk and guide cholesterol treatment.
["LDL and HDL cholesterol levels help estimate your risk of heart disease and stroke."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44717-7
- Short code
- LDL/HDL SerPl
- Synonyms
- LDL/HDL SerPl
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 100
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83721
- SNOMED
- 113079007
- 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 two types of cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol carries cholesterol to body tissues, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol helps transport cholesterol back to the liver.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test as part of a cholesterol screening or follow-up. It can help estimate your risk of heart disease and stroke, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking history, or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
How is the test performed?
A sample of blood is drawn from a vein and analyzed in a laboratory for LDL and HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol may be directly measured or calculated from other cholesterol values, depending on the laboratory method.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting for about 9 to 12 hours may be required, although some laboratories do not require fasting for routine cholesterol testing. Follow your clinician's or laboratory's instructions and avoid vigorous exercise, smoking, and alcohol for the day before the test if advised, as these can temporarily affect cholesterol levels.
Reference range
Optimal: <100 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 LDL cholesterol is associated with a greater buildup of cholesterol in artery walls and increased cardiovascular risk. Higher HDL cholesterol is generally associated with a lower risk, but HDL levels alone do not determine whether treatment is needed, and medications are not usually recommended solely to raise HDL.
Short name
LDL and HDL Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Is a low HDL cholesterol level harmful?
Does this test require fasting?
Can lifestyle changes improve cholesterol results?
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