High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) CPT: 83718
Synonyms
Alpha-Lipoprotein Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol Electrophoresis
HDLC
Expected Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum (preferred) or plasma.
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Collection
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
Patient Information
Patient Preparation
Patient should be on a normal diet and maintain a stable weight for a week prior to testing. Any drugs should be discontinued for three to four weeks if possible. Test should not be performed until three months after a myocardial infarction or similar traumatic episode, such as severe infection or inflammation. Fasting is not necessary.
To determine your risk of developing heart disease.
Screening: as part of a regular health exam with a lipid profile when no risk factors for heart disease are present; once every four to six years in adults; children should have a lipid profile screening at least once between the ages of 9 and 11 and then again between the ages of 17 and 21.
Monitoring: may be done more frequently and at regular intervals as part of a lipid profile when risk factors for heart disease are present, when prior results showed high risk levels, and/or when undergoing treatment for unhealthy lipid levels.
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or from a fingerstick.
If this test is to be performed as part of a complete lipid profile, fasting for 9 to 12 hours typically will be required; only water is permitted. Your healthcare practitioner may decide that you may be tested without fasting. Follow any instructions you are given and tell the person drawing your blood whether or not you have fasted. For youths without risk factors, testing may be done without fasting.