HDL Cholesterol

Test Code

HDL

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

Heparinized plasma

Transport Container

Serum separator tube (SST)

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cool packs)

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated: 7 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Anticoagulants other than heparin

Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)

Setup Schedule

24/7

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

Male: 24-64 mg/dL
Female: 31-88 mg/dL

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.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.