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Non-HDL cholesterol

Lipid Profile · also called Non-HDL-C

What it measures

Non-HDL cholesterol is total cholesterol minus HDL and represents cholesterol in all atherogenic particles, including LDL, VLDL and remnants. It is a reliable risk target, especially when triglycerides are raised.

Specimen and preparation

Specimen: Serum or lithium-heparin plasma
Tube: Gold top
Preparation: Fasting not required.

Reference range

Group	Range
Desirable	<130 (<3.4) mg/dL (mmol/L)
High	≥190 (≥4.9) mg/dL (mmol/L)

Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.

Causes of high values

Familial combined hyperlipidaemia
Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
Hypothyroidism
Kidney disease

Causes of low values

Lipid-lowering therapy

Method

Calculated: total cholesterol − HDL cholesterol

Good to know

Target is usually 30 mg/dL above the patient's LDL goal.

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