ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

0020053: HDL Cholesterol

Test Mnemonic: CH HDL
Methodology: Detergent Solubilization, Enzymatic

Performed: Sun-Sat

Reported: Within 24 hours

Specimen Required:  
Collect: One 4 mL PST or SST.

Transport: 1 mL plasma or serum at 2-8°C.  Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.

Pediatric Collection/Transport: 0.2 mL plasma or serum at 2-8°C.

Remarks: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature.  Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP.

Stability: After separation from cells: Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 1 month

Reference Interval:
Desirable: 40-59 mg/dL

Interpretive Data:
An HDL cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL is low and constitutes a coronary heart disease risk factor.  An HDL cholesterol greater than 60 mg/dL is a negative risk factor for coronary heart disease.

CHD Risk Factors
+1  Age: Men > 45
    Women > 55 or premature menopause without estrogen therapy
+1 Family history of premature CHD
+1  Current smoking
+1  Hypertension
+1  Diabetes mellitus
+1  Low HDL cholesterol: < 40 mg/dL
-1  High HDL cholesterol: ³ 60 mg/dL



CPT Code(s):
83718