HDL CHOLESTEROL

"Clinical Significance
HDL Cholesterol -
HDL cholesterol is inversely related to the risk for cardiovascular disease. It increases following regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption and with oral estrogen therapy. Decreased levels are associated with obesity, stress, cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus.

Preferred Specimen(s)
1 mL serum

Alternative Specimen(s)
Plasma collected in: Sodium heparin (green-top) tube or lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Minimum Volume
0.5 mL

Transport Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST®)

Transport Temperature
Room temperature

Specimen Stability
Serum and plasma
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

Reject Criteria
Anticoagulants other than heparin

Setup Schedule"

Patient Preparation
If an HDL cholesterol measurement is to be performed along with triglycerides, but not part of a lipid panel, then the patient should be fasting 9-12 hours prior to collection. If the HDL-cholesterol is ordered as part of a lipid panel then a fasting sample is not required.

Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)

Reference Range(s)
Male
(mg/dL)    Female
(mg/dL)
<20 Years    >45      >45
≥20 Years    ≥40    ≥50

Alternative Name(s)
Cholesterol, HDL