HDL Cholesterol Test
The HDL Cholesterol test measures the amount of HDL cholesterol in a serum sample. Quest describes HDL cholesterol levels as inversely related to cardiovascular disease risk, meaning this measurement may be used in evaluating that risk, either alone or as part of a lipid panel.
About this test
HDL is a type of cholesterol, and this test reports its concentration in a serum sample, analyzed by spectrophotometry. Quest lists HDL cholesterol as inversely related to cardiovascular disease risk, so it is a marker that can be read on its own or alongside a full lipid panel.
Quest notes that HDL cholesterol levels tend to increase with regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption and oral estrogen therapy, and tend to decrease in association with obesity, stress, cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus.
Test details
| Quest code | 608 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Spectrophotometry |
| Sample type | 1 mL serum |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports one value: HDL cholesterol concentration in a 1 mL serum sample, measured by spectrophotometry. Quest also lists this test under the alias Cholesterol, HDL.
How it's often used alongside other tests
Quest describes HDL cholesterol as something that may be measured alone or as part of a lipid panel, which typically includes other cholesterol markers. Reading HDL together with those other lipid results gives a clinician a fuller picture of cardiovascular risk than any single value on its own.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the HDL Cholesterol test measure?
It measures the amount of HDL cholesterol in a serum sample, using spectrophotometry.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a 1 mL serum sample from a routine blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
Why is HDL cholesterol measured?
Quest describes HDL cholesterol levels as inversely related to cardiovascular disease risk, so this measurement may be used in evaluating that risk, either alone or as part of a lipid panel.
What can affect an HDL cholesterol result?
Quest lists regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption and oral estrogen therapy as associated with higher HDL levels, and obesity, stress, cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus as associated with lower levels.
How much is a HDL Cholesterol test?
$15, paid once at checkout. The price includes the physician's order this test requires and sample collection at a Quest patient service center.