AsseyMethod: Photo Colorimetric
Abbrevation: HDL cholestrol
Sector: Biochemistry
SampleType: S
S.Vol: -
Transport: at 2-8˚c, -20˚c
Storage: 1 week at 2-8˚c for longer time at -20˚c
Test Name: High-Density Lipoprotein
Normal Range: Desirable HDL 42 Low HDL<29
To screen for risk of developing cardiovascular disease (heart disease, stroke and related diseases); to monitor treatment
Aged 40 as part of a routine cardiovascular health check, or if you are already thought to be at risk of cardiovascular disease for another reason.
A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm or from a finger-prick
No fasting is needed for an HDL-cholesterol test. However, you should follow your doctor's advice as fasting might be needed for other tests being performed.
HDL is one of the classes of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol in the blood. HDL is thought to be beneficial because it removes excess cholesterol from tissues and carries it to the liver for disposal. Hence HDL cholesterol is often called “good” cholesterol. The test for HDL measures the amount of cholesterol carried on HDL particles in blood.
How is the sample collected for testing?
Testing for HDL cholesterol requires a blood sample. Most often, the blood sample is collected by venepuncture (using a needle to collect blood from a vein in the arm). Occasionally a fingerprick test can be used, although this is not commonly available in GP practices or hospitals in the UK.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No fasting is needed for an HDL-cholesterol test. In the past, a full lipid profile (which includes HDL-cholesterol) would require fasting, but this changed in 2014. However, even the full lipid profile no longer requires fasting. On the other hand, there may be circumstances when fasting is still required, so you should follow instructions given by your doctor.