Cholesterol/HDL Ratio, Plasma

Diagnostic Use

Cholesterol is a lipid that is vital for life. It is produced by all cells in the body and is important for the maintenance of cell membrane integrity. Cholesterol is also a precursor to all steroid hormones and bile acids synthesised by the body.

The total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio is a calculated parameter used to assess an individual's risk of developing clinically significant atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This test is included as part of the lipid profile .

Department

Core Biochemistry

Delphic Registration Code

LIPS

Constituent Tests

• Cholesterol, Plasma
• HDL Cholesterol, Plasma

Turnaround Time

3 hours

Test Code

4153

Specimen Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4.5

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.6

Additional Specimen Information

Paediatric Specimen: Heparin microtainer tube 600 µL

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.15

Interpretation

Dyslipidaemia is a well-established risk-factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).  Cardiovascular risk is related to the amount of non-HDL cholesterol present in the circulation.  As such, the total/HDL cholesterol ratio is a surrogate measure of the amount of atherogenic lipoproteins in the sample.

The ratio is used as an input variable in some cardiovascular risk prediction algorithms, with higher values being associated with a higher risk of ASCVD.  In addition, current NZ Ministry of Health guidelines recommend that those with a total/HDL cholesterol ratio of 8 or above should be started on lipid-lowering therapy regardless of their overall cardiovascular risk.

Reference Intervals

The total/HDL cholesterol result should not be interpreted against a reference interval, but instead should be used to assess overall cardiovascular risk, as discussed above.

Test Method

Calculated test

Total/HDL cholesterol ratio = Total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol

Non-Funded Test Cost

$0.00 (Exclusive of GST)

Contact Information

Enquiry Form