HDL Cholesterol

Blood Sciences Test

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Specimen

Serum

Units

mmol/L

Reference Range

• Females : 1.16 – 1.68 mmol/L
• Males : 0.91 – 1.42 mmol/L

Test Usage

HDL cholesterol is protective against atherosclerosis and a low HDL is an independent risk factor separate from LDL cholesterol.

Increased by

• exercise
• alcohol
• drugs . oestrogens
• fibrates, statins, nicotinic acid
• anticonvulsants

Decreased by

• drugs: androgens, anabolic steroids, danazol, testosterone, progestins
• beta blockers
• thiazides
• isotretinoin
• antiviral agents
• smoking
• obesity
• familial hypolipoproteinaemia
• renal impairment/proteinuria

Athletes using anabolic steroids can have dramatically low HDL levels.

Turnaround Time

1 day

Availability

Local test

Can be added on to an existing request up to 4 days following sample receipt

Specimen Labelling Procedure