Specimen Requirements

Title

Cholesterol, HDL

Specimen Requirement

1 SST/1.0 mL serum. After 30 minutes of clotting, promptly centrifuge and refrigerate.

Methodology

Stability

Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 3 months

Reference Range

By Report

Turnaround

1 day

Clinical Use

Studies have shown a significant increase in atherosclerosis risk in persons with low HDL-C levels. No current treatment exists for low HDL levels, although weight loss, vigorous exercise, and cessation of smoking may help to increase HDL levels. A number of drugs are also reported to increase HDL levels.

Test Code

CMDHL