Test Code 254(includes total cholesterol and HDL-C)
Test Details
Total Cholesterol/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TC/HDL-C)
This is a ratio calculated by dividing total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol.
Methodology
TC/HDL-C is calculated as follows:
TC/HDL-C = Total cholesterol/High-density cholesterol
Patient Preparation
8-12 hour fast prior to collection. Patient may drink water only.
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
Total Cholesterol/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TC/HDL-C)
Without CVD
- Optimal: <4.0
- Borderline: 4.0–6.0
- Increased Risk: >6.0
With CVD or CVD Risk Equivalent
- Optimal: <3.0
- Borderline: 3.0–5.0
- High Risk: >5.0
Clinical Significance
Total Cholesterol/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TC/HDL-C)
The TC/HDL-C ratio has been shown in many studies to be a more significant CVD risk factor than either LDL-C or HDL-C alone, or in combination.1-3
References:
- Contois JH, McConnell JP, Sethi A A, et al. Apolipoprotein B and cardiovascular disease risk: position statement from the AACC Lipoproteins and Vascular Diseases Division Working Group on Best Practices. Clin Chem. 2009;55(3):407–419.
- 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.
- Stone NJ, Robinson J, Lichtenstein AH, et al. 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults: 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
Total Cholesterol/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TC/HDL-C)
- Lifestyle modification
- Statins
- Niacin
- Fibrates
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
- Bile acid sequestrants
