High-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol, HDL-C) is one of the classes of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol in the blood. HDL-C consists primarily of protein with a small amount of cholesterol. It is considered to be beneficial because it removes excess cholesterol from tissues and carries it to the liver for disposal. Hence, HDL cholesterol is often termed “good” cholesterol. The test for HDL cholesterol measures the amount of HDL-C in blood. Sample: Blood (serum) Reference: Between 35 mg/dl and 70 mg/dl Frequency: Daily