Non-HDL Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
A blood test that measures all cholesterol carried by LDL, VLDL, IDL, and other cholesterol-containing particles except HDL.
["Non-HDL cholesterol helps assess the cholesterol carried by atherogenic particles, which can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43396-1
- Short code
- NonHDLc SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- NonHDLc SerPl-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?
Non-HDL cholesterol measures the total cholesterol in certain blood cholesterol particles, including LDL, VLDL, and IDL, but not HDL. It is often calculated by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may use this test to help estimate your risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. It may be part of a cholesterol screening or follow-up, especially when triglycerides are also elevated.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected from a vein, and the laboratory measures or calculates the cholesterol components. The result is usually reported with your other lipid values.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow any fasting instructions provided by your clinician, because food can affect lipid measurements. If no specific instructions are given, maintain your usual diet and avoid excessive alcohol for at least 24 hours before the blood draw.
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 non-HDL cholesterol level can indicate an increased amount of cholesterol carried by atherogenic particles, which may contribute to plaque formation in the arteries. The result should be interpreted alongside total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and your overall cardiovascular risk. An isolated abnormal value does not by itself diagnose heart disease.
Short name
Non-HDL cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Is non-HDL cholesterol the same as LDL cholesterol?
Does this test require fasting?
What should I do if my non-HDL cholesterol is high?
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