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HDL Cholesterol
Test Code608
CPT Codes
83718
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
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.
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma collected in: Sodium heparin (green-top) tube or lithium heparin (green-top) tube
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Serum and plasma
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Anticoagulants other than heparin
Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)
Setup Schedule
A.M. Sets up 5 days a week.
Clinical Significance
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.