HDL - The Good Cholesterol

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Blood test

HDL stands for high density lipoprotein, a form of "good" cholesterol. Lipoproteins are proteins in the blood that move cholesterol, triglycerides, and other lipids to various tissues.

This article discusses the blood test used to measure levels of HDL cholesterol in your blood.

High-density lipoprotein

A needle will be used to take a sample of blood from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.

First, the area will be cleaned with a germ-killing product (antiseptic). An elastic band is placed around your upper arm to help the vein swell with blood, and the needle is inserted.

The needle is attached to an air-tight tube or syringe, which is used to collect the blood. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the needle stick area is covered with a small bandage to stop any bleeding.

Do not eat anything for 9 - 12 hours before the test.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

This test is done to check the level of cholesterol in your blood and to see if you are at high risk fo a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular problem. Studies of both men and women have shown that the higher your HDL, the lower your risk of coronary artery disease, thus HDL is sometimes referred to as "good" cholesterol..

The main function of HDL is to help soak up excess cholesterol from the walls of blood vessels and carry it to the liver, where it breaks down and is removed from the body in the bile.

The laboratory test for HDL actually measures the cholesterol part of HDL, not the actual amount of HDL in the blood.

Review Date: 07/21/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.