Serum HDL-Cholesterol

Specimen Required

3-5cc Clotted Blood or Serum

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

To screen for risk of developing cardiovascular disease (heart disease, stroke and related diseases); to monitor treatment

When this test is required

HDL is usually requested with other tests, either with cholesterol or as part of a lipid profile, including non-HDL and triglycerides. This is done during a routine cardiovascular risk assessment, which GPs offer to people aged 40 or over. If your doctor thinks you could be at higher risk of cardiovascular disease for another reason, they may recommend HDL testing at other times. It is fairly standard as part of yearly checks in people who have established cardiovascular disease e.g. previous stroke or heart attack.

What the Test Detects

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. However although low HDL levels are associated with increasing cardiovascular risk high levels are not necessarily protective. The test for HDL measures the amount of cholesterol carried on HDL particles in blood.See MoreSee Less

Preparation for the Test

No fasting is needed for an HDL-cholesterol test, or the full lipid profile. On the other hand, there may be circumstances when fasting is still required, so you should follow the instructions given by your health care team.

Sample Requirements

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.

Additional Notes

HDL cholesterol should not be measured when a person is suddenly unwell. Cholesterol is temporarily low during sudden illness, immediately following a heart attack, or during stress (like from surgery or an accident). You should wait at least 6 weeks after any illness to have cholesterol measured. In women, HDL cholesterol may change during pregnancy. You should wait at least six weeks after your baby is born to have your HDL-cholesterol measured.

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