HDL CHOLESTEROL
- Code
- 400.4540
- Name
- HDL CHOLESTEROL
- Category
- None
- Department
- Chemistry
- Start Date
- Expiration Date
- Synonyms
- High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
- CPT Codes
- 83718
- Site
- Main Lab
- Reference Test
Specimen Information
- Type
Gold, SST
- Volume
1.0 ml
- Transport Info
Refrigerated
48 hour stability- Fasting Required?
- True
- Patient Instructions
- Reference Range
40-59 mg/dL
- Methodology
Enzymatic
Clinical Significance
Determine the potential risk factor for coronary artery disease.
This test is used in the investigation of lipid status in suspected hyperlipidemia and as an assessment of risk for atherosclerosis, especially coronary artery disease. Low levels of HDL and high levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease. LDL levels are reduced for up to 8 weeks with acute illness (e.g., myocardial infarction, acute infection) and assays should not be performed during this time.Cholesterol, like oil, cannot dissolve in the blood unless it is combined with special proteins called lipoproteins. (Without combining with lipoproteins, cholesterol in the blood will turn into a solid substance.) The cholesterol that is secreted by the liver into the blood is combined either with very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) or high-density lipoproteins (HDL). VLDL cholesterol is then metabolized in the bloodstream to produce LDL cholesterol. The cholesterol combined with low-density lipoprotein is called LDL cholesterol, and the cholesterol combined with high-density lipoproteins is called HDL cholesterol.HDL is termed the “good cholesterol” because HDL cholesterol particles prevent atherosclerosis by extracting cholesterol from the artery walls and disposing of them through the liver. Thus, high levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol (high LDL/HDL ratios) are risk factors for atherosclerosis, whereas low levels of LDL cholesterol and high level of HDL cholesterol (low LDL/HDL ratios) are desirable.A protective substance utilized for prediction of coronary arterial disease, especially useful in individuals with high serum cholesterol levels. Low HDLC is an important predictor of risk of coronary atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. HDL may act as a protective scavenger molecule (reverse cholesterol transport). The liver is the major site of cholesterol excretion.