What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're trying to get a deeper picture of your heart disease risk beyond a standard cholesterol panel. It helps if you have a family history of heart disease, borderline cholesterol numbers, or you've been told your total HDL looks fine but you still want to understand your risk more closely. It breaks down your HDL into two subtypes so you and your results can go beyond the basic 'good cholesterol' number.

What's included in this test?

This test measures two specific subtypes of HDL, the 'good' cholesterol, giving a more detailed view of your cardiovascular health than a standard total HDL number. Since these two subtypes behave differently in the body, breaking them apart can offer extra insight into your heart disease risk picture.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each HDL2 and HDL3 value explained alongside its normal range. You'll get simple next steps, like diet and exercise changes, based on where your numbers fall, and guidance on when it makes sense to retest to track progress. A standard lab report is available to download directly from your account, and you can watch how your levels change over time using the trends feature. If any value comes back at a level that needs urgent attention, the report will flag that clearly.

How can I naturally support healthy HDL levels?

Regular aerobic exercise, like brisk walking or cycling, is one of the most reliable ways to raise healthy HDL naturally. Eating more healthy fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish, while cutting back on trans fats and refined carbs, also helps. Quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight both support better HDL subclass balance over time.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. You'll get a notification as soon as they're posted to your account, where you can view the full breakdown and download your report.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with a family history of heart disease, those already being monitored for cholesterol issues, or anyone wanting a more detailed look at their cardiovascular risk factors. It can also be useful if you've made lifestyle changes and want to see if they're improving the quality, not just the quantity, of your HDL cholesterol.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Cholesterol imbalances usually don't cause obvious symptoms, which is exactly why testing matters. You might consider this test if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, excess weight around the middle, a sedentary lifestyle, or a family history of early heart attacks or strokes. Chest discomfort or unexplained fatigue during exercise are also reasons to look closer at your cardiovascular health.

What does a low HDL2 or HDL3 level mean?

A lower level of either HDL subtype may mean less protection against plaque buildup in your arteries, which is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. This can often be improved with more physical activity, healthier fats in your diet, and quitting smoking if applicable. Retesting after a few months of lifestyle changes can help you see if your numbers are trending in the right direction.

What causes low HDL cholesterol subclasses?

Common causes include a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity, poorly controlled blood sugar, and diets high in refined carbs and trans fats. Genetics can also play a role in how your body produces and processes HDL particles. Identifying which of these factors applies to you is the first step toward improving your numbers.

How often should I retest HDL subclasses?

If you're making lifestyle changes to improve your cholesterol, retesting every 3 to 6 months can help you track progress. If your levels are already in a healthy range, checking once a year alongside routine bloodwork is usually enough. Your trends feature makes it easy to see the pattern over multiple tests.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HDL Cholesterol Subclasses Test - Heart Disease Risk

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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