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Choose collection locationBiochemistry · Individual laboratory test
Cholesterol, HDL
HDL cholesterol measures the cholesterol carried in high-density lipoproteins. It contributes one part of a cardiovascular risk assessment.
Price for this test on its ownAED 115Test price AED 15
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the HDL Cholesterol test measure?
Also called Good (HDL) Cholesterol
HDL can be recorded as a baseline or as part of a wider cardiovascular assessment. A clinician considers it with family history and other risk factors.
When it may be requested
Completing a lipid panel
HDL provides context for a total cholesterol figure and for other cholesterol fractions.
Prevention review
It is one input in some cardiovascular risk assessments together with clinical risk factors.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
Intel Lab requests a fasting sample. Its HDL preparation specifies roughly ten to twelve hours with plain water only; confirm the interval for the whole lipid order.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideCholesterol, HDL
Reading your result
HDL is one element of the lipid pattern. Neither a low nor a high concentration directly shows the condition of the arteries.
What can affect it
- An HDL concentration alone cannot predict whether an individual has plaque in an artery.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testCholesterol, HDL
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Cholesterol, HDL in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Review HDL with LDL, triglycerides, blood pressure and family history to understand what the overall profile means for you.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Basic Health CheckupLipid / Cholesterol Profile
Basic Health CheckupBasic Wellness
Basic Health CheckupBasic Health CheckupSee all 12 packages
Advanced Health PackagesAdvanced Health Checkup
Advanced Health PackagesMenopause Profile
Advanced Health PackagesExecutive Health Checkup
Advanced Health PackagesObesity Profile
Advanced Health PackagesPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Advanced Health PackagesElite Health Checkup
Advanced Health PackagesExtensive Cardiac Function
Advanced Health PackagesFitness Profile
Advanced Health PackagesMaster Health CheckupClinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Does a high HDL cancel out high LDL?
No. Clinicians assess LDL, triglycerides and other cardiovascular risks alongside HDL. A favourable value for one fraction does not settle the whole assessment.
What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol?
HDL particles carry excess cholesterol away from tissues and arteries back to the liver for disposal, which is why HDL is called the good cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol the other way, towards the tissues, and is the fraction treatment usually targets. The two are read together in a lipid profile, alongside blood pressure, glucose and family history.
Can hormones or medicines affect my HDL result?
Yes. Oestrogen, whether natural or from hormone therapy, tends to raise HDL, while anabolic steroids and some other medicines lower it. Keep taking your prescribed medicines unless your doctor says otherwise, and mention statins, fish oil, hormone therapy or steroids when you give your sample so the result is read correctly.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore health packages.
Open a package to see exactly which tests it includes.
Lipid / Cholesterol Profile
Total cholesterol, HDL, directly measured LDL, VLDL and triglycerides from one blood sample.
- biomarkers
- 5
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 89
Explore packageExtensive Cardiac Function
An in-depth cardiovascular risk panel combining advanced cardiac markers with a full general health screen.
- biomarkers
- 73
- Samples
- Blood + Urine
- Listed turnaround
- 48 hours
AED 599
Explore packageBasic Health Checkup
Blood count, liver, kidney, cholesterol, blood sugar and urine tests: the essentials in one visit.
- biomarkers
- 63
- Samples
- Blood + Urine
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 199
Explore packageBasic Wellness
A complete blood count with liver enzymes, cholesterol, kidney markers and fasting blood sugar from one blood sample.
- biomarkers
- 31
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 129
Explore packageChoosing for a particular need?
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Your next step
HDL Cholesterol test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.