HDL Cholesterol Test ("Good" Cholesterol)

This test measures the amount of cholesterol carried in HDL particles in your serum, reported in mg/dL. It does not measure LDL, total cholesterol or triglycerides, which are reported in a lipid panel or their own single tests.

Adults who already know their lipid profile and want to re-check or track HDL; people making lifestyle changes that tend to raise HDL (regular aerobic exercise, losing waist fat, stopping smoking); and people whose clinician wants HDL followed, for example while taking medicines that can lower it, such as beta blockers, anabolic steroids including testosterone, progestins or benzodiazepines. For first-time or routine screening, choose the full lipid panel.

Any time of day. Changes in HDL take time, so re-testing is most useful a few months after a change in exercise, weight, smoking or medication, or on your clinician's schedule. If your order also includes the separate Triglycerides test, book a morning draw after a 9-12 hour fast.

Quest reports HDL in mg/dL with reference ranges of 40 mg/dL or higher for men and 50 mg/dL or higher for women aged 20 and older, and above 45 mg/dL for those under 20. A low HDL is associated with higher cardiovascular risk and is commonly linked to excess weight, smoking, stress, diabetes and some medicines (beta blockers, anabolic steroids, progestins, benzodiazepines). HDL rises with regular exercise and also with oral estrogen therapy and moderate alcohol intake, so a high value is generally reassuring but is not a reason to ignore LDL or other risk factors. Clinicians do not usually prescribe medicine just to raise HDL. Review your result with a clinician, ideally with a full lipid panel. JustLabs results are informational and do not replace medical care.