HDL cholesterol, serum
Clinical Background:
Cholesterol is the principal sterol synthesised by animals, an essential component of cell membranes, and precursor of steroid hormones, vitamin D and bile acids. It is also a component of lipoprot...
Cholesterol is the principal sterol synthesised by animals, an essential component of cell membranes, and precursor of steroid hormones, vitamin D and bile acids. It is also a component of lipoproteins, which are required for transport of triglycerides. Cholesterol is transported in plasma primarily (but not exclusively) in the form of low density lipoproteins (LDL); the principal route for its removal from tissues to the liver is in high density lipoproteins (HDL), followed by excretion
in the bile. HDL-C is usually requested with other tests, either with cholesterol or as part of a lipid profile, including LDL-C and triglycerides. The combination of total cholesterol and HDL-C is very useful for screening for the risk of heart disease. High levels of HDL cholesterol are better than low HDL cholesterol. The higher your HDL cholesterol level, the lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Test Documents
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
0.5 mL blood
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Sample Stability:
Unseparated sample: 2 days
Separated sample: 3 days at 15-25°C, 7 days at 2-8°C, 12 months at -20°CUnseparated sample: 2 days
Separated sample: 3 days at 15-25°C, 7 days at 2-8°C, 12 months at -20°C -
Reference Ranges:
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
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Routine Email: