Test Code 221
Test Details
High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C)
HDL-C is a measure of high density cholesterol particles. Higher levels of HDL are associated with reduced CVD risk, but not all HDL is good. Refer to the Boston Heart HDL Map® for more information.
Methodology
Enzymatic colorimetric.
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)
Alternate Specimen
1.0 mL EDTA plasma (0.5 mL minimum) collected in plasma separator tube (Pearl Top)
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 7 days
Lab Values
High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C)
Male
- Optimal: >50 mg/dL
- Borderline: 40-50 mg/dL
- Increased Risk: <40 mg/dL
Female
- Optimal: >60 mg/dL
- Borderline: 50-60 mg/dL
- Increased Risk: <50 mg/dL
Clinical Significance
High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C)
Low HDL-C is:
- Independently associated with CVD risk.1
- A characteristic of the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.1
References:
- Goff DC Jr, Lloyd-Jones DM, Bennett G, et al. 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2014;129(25 Suppl 2):S49-73.
Treatment Options
High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C)
- Lifestyle modification
- Statins
- Niacin
- Fibrates
- Fish oil
- Bile acid sequestrants
