Home
HelpTest ID: HDCH Cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Serum
Reporting Name
Cholesterol, HDL, SUseful For
Measurement of serum high-density lipoprotein concentrations for managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Patient Preparation: Â Fasting is preferred but not required unless directed by the ordering provider.
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tube must be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tube must be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 30 days |
Reference Values
The National Lipid Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program have set the following guidelines for lipids in a context of cardiovascular risk for adults 18 years old and older:
HDL CHOLESTEROL
Males
≥40 mg/dL
Females
≥50 mg/dL
The Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents has set the following guidelines for lipids in a context of cardiovascular risk for children 2-17 years of age:
HDL CHOLESTEROL
Low HDL: <40 mg/dL
Borderline Low: 40-45 mg/dL
Acceptable: >45 mg/dL
Reference values have not been established for patients who are younger than 24 months of age.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
83718
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HDCH | Cholesterol, HDL, S | 2085-9 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HDCH | Cholesterol, HDL, S | 2085-9 |
Clinical Information
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Excess cholesterol is actively pumped into HDL to be carried in the blood circulation and cleared by the liver in a process known as reverse cholesterol transport. For these reasons, HDL-C is often referred to as "good" cholesterol.
HDL-C is rarely measured in isolation and most often ordered along with total cholesterol and triglycerides. Measuring HDL-C and total cholesterol enables calculation of non-HDL cholesterol (total cholesterol-HDL-C). Non-HDL cholesterol is the combination of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and very-low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol is directly associated with risk for cardiovascular disease and referred to as "bad" cholesterol.
Interpretation
Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
HDL-C can be increased by the same lifestyle changes that reduce risk for cardiovascular disease: physical activity, smoking cessation, and eating healthier. However, medications that specifically increase HDL levels have failed to reduce cardiovascular disease.
Extremely low HDL values (<20 mg/dL) may indicate liver disease or inherited dyslipidemia.
Clinical Reference
1. Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al: AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2019 Jun 18;139(25):e1082-e1143
2. Jacobson TA, Ito MK, Maki KC, et al: National Lipid Association recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia: Part 1-executive summary. J Clin Lipidol. 2014 Sep-Oct;8(5):473-488. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2014.07.007
3. Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Expert panel on integrated guidelines for cardiovascular health and risk reduction in children and adolescents: Summary report. Pediatrics. 2011 Dec;128 Suppl 5(Suppl 5):S213-S256. doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-2107C
Report Available
1 dayMethod Name
Enzymatic Colorimetric
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request (T724) with the specimen.
mml-lipids-lipoproteins