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Synonyms |
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High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
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Clinical
Indications |
|
Cholesterol circulates in blood bound to lipoproteins; the two
main ones being low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density
lipoprotein (HDL). HDL concentrations are inversely
correlated with risk of athersclerosis, that is, high levels
are beneficial. Modest increases in total cholesterol may be
due to increased HDL cholesterol so it is important that HDL
is measured before any treatment is initiated.
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Part of
Profile |
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Lipids,
Cholesterol.
|
Request Form |
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Combined Pathology Blood form
(Yellow/Black)
|
Availability |
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On request.
|
|
Patient
Preparation |
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If HDL
cholesterol is requested as part of a lipid profile then
patient must fast for 10 hours prior to blood collection (for
follow up tests diabetic patients may not need to fast).
Patients do not need to fast if cholesterol only (total and
HDL) is requested.
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Turnaround
Time |
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Same day
|
Specimen |
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Serum
|
Volume |
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2 ml
|
Container |
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Yellow top (SST) tube
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Causes for
Rejection |
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Unlabelled sample.
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Reference
Range |
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The
concept of a reference range is flawed and acceptable levels
depend on presence of other coronary risk factors. Ideally
levels should be > 1.0 mmol/L. For primary
prevention use risk
tables which incorporate a total:HDL cholesterol ratio.
|
|
Interpretation |
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Low
HDL levels may be associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and
physical inactivity.
|
|
Unit
Conversion |
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To convert from mmol/L to mg/dL
multiply by 38.7
To convert from mg/dL to mmol/L
multiply by 0.026
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