Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- Serum
- EDTA Plasma
- Li Hep Plasma
Sample Processing in Laboratory
UsualSample Preparation
Centrifuge specimensTurnaround Time
1 daySample Stability
UsualNon-HDL Cholesterol (calculated)
General Information
Non-HDL cholesterol is a calculated parameter derived by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol. Non HDL cholesterol provides an estimation of all cholesterol containing (atherogenic) particles (LDL, triglyceride-rich very low density lipoprotein and so-called remnant particles), thus providing a more accurate assessment of CVD risk compared to LDL alone.
Non-HDL cholesterol levels are requested as part of a lipid profile, along with total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides.
Non-HDL cholesterol concentrations >7.5mmol/L warrant specialist lipid clinic referral.
If high intensity statins are used, then non-HDL-cholesterol should be lowered by at least 40% from baseline (NICE 2014).
Patient Preparation
Non-fasting specimens are accepted
Notes
Non HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting HDL from Total Cholesterol (TC).
Non-HDL cholesterol = TC - HDL
This calculation should not be used when plasma triglyceride concentration exceeds 10.0 mmol/L
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: No