HDL Cholesterol measures the "good" cholesterol in your blood, which helps clear excess cholesterol from your arteries back to the liver for disposal. Higher HDL levels are generally protective against heart disease.
Why is the HDL Cholesterol done?
Ordered as part of a routine Lipid Profile to assess cardiovascular risk.
It can help your doctor assess
Low HDL is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Whether this test is right for you depends on your symptoms, medical history and the reason for testing - your doctor can advise.
What does this test measure?
The concentration of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood.
HDL Cholesterol
Lipid
Helps transport excess cholesterol away from artery walls back to the liver - higher levels are generally protective.
Understanding your HDL Cholesterol results
How to read your result
Your report should be read using the reference interval, unit and method shown by the performing laboratory. A result outside a reference interval does not automatically establish a diagnosis, and a result inside the interval does not rule out every health problem. Clinical interpretation depends on symptoms, history and other findings.
Marker
Result
What it may be associated with
HDL Cholesterol
Low
Reduces the body’s ability to clear excess cholesterol, raising cardiovascular risk - often linked with sedentary lifestyle, smoking, or obesity.
If a result is outside the range
If the HDL Cholesterol is reported as high, low, positive, negative or otherwise outside the laboratory's stated interval, the meaning depends on the specific test and the reason it was ordered. Your clinician may consider repeat testing, related investigations or other clinical information before deciding what the result means.
Limitations of this test
HDL is one part of overall cardiovascular risk - it’s interpreted alongside LDL, triglycerides, and other risk factors like blood pressure and smoking status.
An abnormal result does not by itself mean you have a particular disease. Your doctor interprets results together with your symptoms, history and other tests.
HDL Cholesterol normal range
Parameter
Reference range
Unit
HDL Cholesterol
Above 40 (men), Above 50 (women)
mg/dL
Typical adult ranges for guidance. Reference intervals vary with the laboratory method, age and sex - always read your result against the range printed on your own report.
How should I prepare for the HDL Cholesterol?
Fast for 10 to 12 hours before the sample. Plain water is allowed; avoid tea, coffee, juice and food.
Drink water as usual - being well hydrated makes the blood draw easier.
Tell the collection team about any medicines and supplements you take.
Do not stop prescribed medicines unless your doctor tells you to.
Follow any additional instructions our team shares when you book.
How sample collection works
01
Book
Choose the test and a time slot online, or call us and we'll book it for you.
02
Prepare
Follow the preparation steps above for this test.
03
Sample collection
A trained phlebotomist collects the sample at your home - no extra charge.
04
Laboratory processing
Your sample is processed in our laboratory and reviewed by a pathologist.
05
Report
Your report is shared on WhatsApp and email, usually within 24 hours.
For a blood-based test, a small blood sample is collected by a trained healthcare professional, usually from a vein in the arm. The collection normally takes only a few minutes; mild temporary discomfort or bruising can occur at the puncture site.
What can affect the result?
Regular exercise and moderate alcohol can raise HDL, while smoking and a sedentary lifestyle tend to lower it.
When should you talk to a doctor?
Laboratory results are interpreted together with your symptoms, medical history and other investigations. If your results are significantly abnormal, or you have symptoms that worry you, discuss them with a qualified doctor promptly.
Test details
Test name
HDL Cholesterol
Test code
HWP-T0100
Department
Clinical Biochemistry
Sample type
Venous blood (from a vein in the arm)
Fasting
10 to 12 Hrs
Report time
24 hours (next day)
Home collection
Available across Malad, Kandivali, Borivali & Goregaon
Price
₹199 (MRP ₹299, 33% off)
Availability
All days - lab open 24×7
References
Trusted public health sources for the information on this page:
This information is for general awareness and does not replace advice from your doctor.
₹199₹29933% off
HDL Cholesterol test price in Mumbai
The HDL Cholesterol test cost in Mumbai at HWP Diagnostic is ₹199 - 33% less than the MRP of ₹299. There are no extra charges for home sample collection. The same price applies across Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Goregaon.
Book the HDL Cholesterol test with free home sample collection anywhere in Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Goregaon, or walk in to our lab in Malad West, Mumbai - open 24×7.
Traditionally fasting has been recommended for the full lipid panel, though non-fasting testing is increasingly used - check with your doctor.
How can I raise my HDL naturally?
Regular aerobic exercise, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight are the most effective, evidence-based ways to raise HDL levels.
What is the HDL Cholesterol?
HDL Cholesterol is a blood test. HDL Cholesterol is a blood lipid (fat) test used to assess the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Why is the HDL Cholesterol done?
The HDL Cholesterol may be ordered when a healthcare professional needs information about the condition or health area assessed by this test. HDL Cholesterol is a blood lipid (fat) test used to assess the risk of heart disease and stroke. At HWP Diagnostic the sample can be collected free at your home in Malad and nearby Mumbai areas, and the report is usually shared within the same day or next day. Please carry or upload your doctor's prescription where the test needs one, and discuss the result with your doctor for a full interpretation.
What does the HDL Cholesterol test measure?
HDL Cholesterol is a blood lipid (fat) test used to assess the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Who may need the HDL Cholesterol?
The test may be relevant for people whose symptoms, medical history, screening needs or treatment monitoring match the purpose of the HDL Cholesterol.
How should I prepare for the HDL Cholesterol?
Fasting of 10 to 12 Hrs is required before the sample. Plain water is allowed.
Do I need to fast for the HDL Cholesterol?
Yes. Please fast for 10 to 12 hours before the HDL Cholesterol. Plain water is usually allowed unless you are told otherwise.
What sample is required for the HDL Cholesterol?
The HDL Cholesterol is done on a blood sample.
How is the HDL Cholesterol sample collected?
For a blood-based test, a small blood sample is collected by a trained healthcare professional, usually from a vein in the arm. The collection normally takes only a few minutes; mild temporary discomfort or bruising can occur at the puncture site.
How long does the HDL Cholesterol take to report?
Reports for the HDL Cholesterol are usually ready within 24 hours of sample collection. You receive them on WhatsApp and email.
What is the price of the HDL Cholesterol?
The HDL Cholesterol costs Rs 140 at HWP Diagnostic (MRP Rs 180). Home sample collection is free.
How do I understand my HDL Cholesterol result?
Your report should be read using the reference interval, unit and method shown by the performing laboratory. A result outside a reference interval does not automatically establish a diagnosis, and a result inside the interval does not rule out every health problem. Clinical interpretation depends on symptoms, history and other findings.
What does a high or low HDL Cholesterol result mean?
If the HDL Cholesterol is reported as high, low, positive, negative or otherwise outside the laboratory's stated interval, the meaning depends on the specific test and the reason it was ordered. Your clinician may consider repeat testing, related investigations or other clinical information before deciding what the result means.
Can a HDL Cholesterol diagnose a disease by itself?
The HDL Cholesterol can provide important information, but laboratory results are generally interpreted together with symptoms, medical history, examination and other investigations. A single result should not be treated as a diagnosis without clinical context.
Can medicines affect the HDL Cholesterol result?
Some medicines, supplements, food, exercise and other pre-test factors can affect particular laboratory results. Tell the healthcare professional about medicines and supplements you take, and do not stop prescribed medicines unless your clinician tells you to.
Is the HDL Cholesterol available for home collection?
Yes. Free home sample collection for the HDL Cholesterol is available across Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Goregaon in Mumbai. You can also visit our Malad West lab, open 24x7.
What is the HDL Cholesterol test?Why is the HDL Cholesterol test done?Who may need the HDL Cholesterol test?