HDL Cholesterol

Blood Sciences Test

Specimen

Serum

Special Instructions

HDL is available as part of the lipid profile (both non-fasting and fasting).

Lipid profile ordering instructions:

Tests performed within the lipid panel depend on the answer to the fasting status question on ICE, MyCare or paper form. It is essential that this question is answered accurately to ensure that the appropriate tests are performed.

If marked as non-fasting, profile includes: Total Cholesterol, HDL, non-HDL and Total/HDL cholesterol ratio

If marked as fasting, profile includes: all of non-fasting profile plus triglycerides and LDL

Units

mmol/L

Reference Range

1.00 mmol/L or above

Test Usage

HDL cholesterol is protective against atherosclerosis and a low HDL is an independent risk factor separate from LDL cholesterol.

Increased by

exercise
alcohol
drugs . oestrogens
fibrates, statins, nicotinic acid
anticonvulsants

Decreased by

drugs: androgens, anabolic steroids, danazol, testosterone, progestins
beta blockers
thiazides
isotretinoin
antiviral agents
smoking
obesity
familial hypolipoproteinaemia
renal impairment/proteinuria

Athletes using anabolic steroids can have dramatically low HDL levels.

Turnaround Time

1 day

Availability

Local test

Can be added on to an existing request up to 3 days following sample receipt

Specimen Labelling Procedure