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
Green Top Tube
(Lithium Heparin plasma separator tube with gel)
Alternate Specimen
Dried Blood collected on an AdvanceDx 100 card
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 8 days
Lab Values
High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C)
| Age | Optimal | Borderline | Increased Risk |
| ≤18 yrs Male and Female | >45 mg/dL | 40 – 45 mg/dL | <40 mg/dL |
| >18 yrs Male | >50 mg/dL | 40 – 50 mg/dL | <40 mg/dL |
| >18 yrs Female | >60 mg/dL | 50 – 60 mg/dL | <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
