HDL Cholesterol Test

A high-density lipoprotein (HDL) test measures the level of good cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that’s found in all of the cells in your body. It has several different functions, including helping to build your body’s cells. Cholesterol is carried through the bloodstream attached to proteins called lipoproteins. Two types of cholesterol in your body are HDL, which is the good cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol. HDL is known as the good cholesterol because it carries LDL, triglycerides, and harmful fats and returns them to your liver for processing. When HDL reaches your liver, the liver breaks down the LDL, turns it into bile, and removes it from your body.

Your doctor will give you complete instructions on how to prepare for the test. These may include not taking certain medications for a short period or fasting for up to 12 hours before the test. You shouldn’t have an HDL test when you are sick. No special preparation is needed. Inform your doctor if you are on any medications or have any underlying medical conditions or allergies before starting the procedure. It’s a simple blood test so, it’s better not to eat past hour to get best results. Your doctor depending on your condition will give specific instructions.

The test for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is used as part of a lipid profile to screen for unhealthy levels of lipids and to determine an individual's risk of developing heart disease and to help make decisions about what treatment to use if there is borderline or high risk.

Process of obtaining blood sample in adults:

• A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the collection site (superficial vein that lies within the elbow pit)
• The needle cap is removed and is held in line with the vein, pulling the skin tight
The required amount of blood sample is collected by pulling the plunger of the syringe out slowly
• The wrap band is removed, gauze is placed on the collection site, and the needle is removed
• The blood is immediately transferred into the blood container, which has the appropriate preservative/clot activator/anti-coagulant
• The syringe and the needle are disposed into the appropriate “sharp container” for safe and hygienic disposal