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Lipid Panel

HDL Cholesterol

Normal range ≥ 40 (higher is protective) mg/dL (≥ 1.0 mmol/L SI). Specimen: Serum.

Also known as: high-density lipoprotein, good cholesterol.

≥ 40 (higher is protective) mg/dLReference range

Reference range

This result is reported qualitatively or as a one-sided threshold rather than a two-sided numeric band.

Combined adult band. LabVals does not publish separate men's, women's, or pediatric ranges for HDL Cholesterol; those can be narrower than the band shown.

HDL Cholesterol reference range, specimen, and conversion details
SpecimenSerum
Conventional range≥ 40 (higher is protective) mg/dL
SI range≥ 1.0 mmol/L
Conversion factor×0.0259 (conventional → SI)
PanelLipid Panel

Convert any HDL Cholesterol result between units on the unit converter.

What is the normal range for HDL Cholesterol?

The standard teaching reference range for HDL Cholesterol is ≥ 40 (higher is protective) mg/dL in conventional units, or ≥ 1.0 mmol/L in SI units. This value is measured in serum.

Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population - always use the range printed on the actual result.

At the bedside

Nursing considerations

  • Higher is better - a low HDL is an independent cardiac risk factor.
  • ≥ 60 mg/dL is considered protective.
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