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HDL Cholesterol Subclasses
Quest Diagnostics1 test optionFrom $98.76
HDL Cholesterol Subclasses
Quest DiagnosticsCatalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.
What this laboratory test evaluates
DetailsHDL Cholesterol Subclasses – This test measures the concentrations of 2 major high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol subclasses (HDL2 cholesterol and HDL3 cholesterol) and may be used in studying the correlation between HDL subclasses and certain diseases, especially coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
HDL is a heterogeneous group of particles that transports lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Based on hydrated densities, HDL can be divided into HDL2 (40% of total HDL) and HDL3 (60% of total HDL); HDL3 is smaller and denser. HDL2 and HDL3 differ in composition, functionality, and atherogenic or atheroprotective properties [1].
HDL cholesterol level has been inversely related to the CHD risk, but simply increasing total HDL cholesterol levels could not reduce future cardiovascular events [1]. Therefore, the atheroprotective properties of HDL were assumed to be rooted in the functionality of different HDL particles instead of total HDL cholesterol concentration. The value of HDL subgroup measurements for assessing CHD risk and various other conditions have been investigated, but whether HDL2 or HDL3 is the beneficial subfraction for CHD remains unclear [1].
The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.
Reference
1. Lappegard KT, et al. Biomedicines. 2021;9(7):836.
What type of sample is required for this test?3 mL serum
Test ResourcesFor more information, please consult your healthcare provider.
Additional test information
HDL Cholesterol Subclasses – This test measures the concentrations of 2 major high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol subclasses (HDL2 cholesterol and HDL3 cholesterol) and may be used in studying the correlation between HDL subclasses and certain diseases, especially coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
Collection and processing
- Sample type: Serum
- Fasting: No
- Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected
How Sunridge uses laboratory information
Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.
Before requesting this test
Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.
Common questions about this laboratory test
- What sample does this test require?
- The listed sample type is Serum. Confirm current collection instructions in the approved order.
- Does this test require fasting?
- The current catalog record lists fasting as: No. Follow the instructions supplied with the approved order.
- How long does laboratory processing usually take?
- Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected. Timing can change after collection or if a laboratory requires additional review.
About this test
DetailsHDL Cholesterol Subclasses - This test measures the concentrations of 2 major high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol subclasses (HDL2 cholesterol and HDL3 cholesterol) and may be used in studying the correlation between HDL subclasses and certain diseases, especially coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
HDL is a heterogeneous group of particles that transports lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Based on hydrated densities, HDL can be divided into HDL2 (40% of total HDL) and HDL3 (60% of total HDL); HDL3 is smaller and denser. HDL2 and HDL3 differ in composition, functionality, and atherogenic or atheroprotective properties [1].
HDL cholesterol level has been inversely related to the CHD risk, but simply increasing total HDL cholesterol levels could not reduce future cardiovascular events [1]. Therefore, the atheroprotective properties of HDL were assumed to be rooted in the functionality of different HDL particles instead of total HDL cholesterol concentration. The value of HDL subgroup measurements for assessing CHD risk and various other conditions have been investigated, but whether HDL2 or HDL3 is the beneficial subfraction for CHD remains unclear [1].
The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.
Reference
1. Lappegard KT, et al. Biomedicines. 2021;9(7):836.
What type of sample is required for this test?3 mL serum
Test ResourcesFor more information, please consult your healthcare provider.
Additional details
HDL Cholesterol Subclasses - This test measures the concentrations of 2 major high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol subclasses (HDL2 cholesterol and HDL3 cholesterol) and may be used in studying the correlation between HDL subclasses and certain diseases, especially coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
Highlighted health areas
- Cardiovascular
Biomarkers and report focus
The exact analytes and report format can change. Confirm the current contents in the Fullscript order before payment.
- HDL-2 Cholesterol
- HDL-3 Cholesterol