HDL Particle Number levels: what's normal, high and low
The actual count of HDL particles. Higher counts are associated with lower cardiovascular risk.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
HDL Particle Number is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 30.5 – 50.0 umol/L. At TestWell it's $70.99 all-in as Advanced Cholesterol Particle Test (NMR), results in 3–5 business days, drawn at Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- umol/L / µmol/L
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- 8–12 hours
- Results
- 3–5 business days
- Price
- $70.99
- Labs
- Labcorp
HDL Particle Number Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 30.5 – 50.0 umol/L |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What does a high HDL Particle Number mean?
A high HDL particle number is generally favorable and reflects regular aerobic exercise, healthy weight, moderate alcohol intake, estrogen, or inherited high-HDL traits. Very high values (with very high HDL cholesterol) are not always protective — some genetic variants produce large, dysfunctional HDL — but no action follows from a high HDL-P alone.
Common causes of a high HDL Particle Number
- Regular aerobic exercise, healthy weight
- Estrogen (pill, pregnancy), moderate alcohol
- Inherited high-HDL traits (CETP deficiency and others)
- Some medications: fibrates, niacin
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None
What clinicians usually check next
- No action; keep the habits that produced it
- Continue to manage ApoB/LDL, which high HDL does not offset
Is very high HDL always good?
Mostly, but not a license to ignore LDL. In some inherited cases very high HDL is dysfunctional, and in large studies risk stops falling above roughly 80–90 mg/dL of HDL cholesterol.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
What does a low HDL Particle Number mean?
A low HDL particle number (HDL-P) means fewer HDL particles are circulating, regardless of how much cholesterol each carries. HDL-P tracks cardiovascular risk more consistently than HDL cholesterol and is low in insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, smoking, inactivity and some inherited conditions. Raising it is lifestyle work; no drug that raises HDL has reduced heart attacks.
Common causes of a low HDL Particle Number
- Insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity
- Smoking, inactivity
- High triglycerides
- Anabolic steroids, some beta-blockers and progestins
- Genetic low-HDL conditions (rare)
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None
What clinicians usually check next
- Triglycerides, A1c, ApoB
- Exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation — the levers that move HDL-P
- Focus treatment on ApoB/LDL, which drugs can change
Should I take niacin or a supplement to raise HDL?
No — niacin raises HDL numbers without lowering heart attacks in trials, and adds side effects. Aerobic exercise and weight loss raise HDL-P and improve outcomes.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a HDL Particle Number test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. HDL Particle Number is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cholesterol Particle Test (NMR) | This marker only | $70.99 |
| Men's Total Body Advanced Panel | 65 tests | $999.99 |
| Women's Total Body Advanced Panel | 65 tests | $999.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for HDL Particle Number: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | No | — |
| Labcorp | Yes | $70.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Heart Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside HDL Particle Number.
Frequently asked
What does a high HDL Particle Number mean?
A high HDL particle number is generally favorable and reflects regular aerobic exercise, healthy weight, moderate alcohol intake, estrogen, or inherited high-HDL traits. Very high values (with very high HDL cholesterol) are not always protective — some genetic variants produce large, dysfunctional HDL — but no action follows from a high HDL-P alone.
Is very high HDL always good?
Mostly, but not a license to ignore LDL. In some inherited cases very high HDL is dysfunctional, and in large studies risk stops falling above roughly 80–90 mg/dL of HDL cholesterol.
What does a low HDL Particle Number mean?
A low HDL particle number (HDL-P) means fewer HDL particles are circulating, regardless of how much cholesterol each carries. HDL-P tracks cardiovascular risk more consistently than HDL cholesterol and is low in insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, smoking, inactivity and some inherited conditions. Raising it is lifestyle work; no drug that raises HDL has reduced heart attacks.
Should I take niacin or a supplement to raise HDL?
No — niacin raises HDL numbers without lowering heart attacks in trials, and adds side effects. Aerobic exercise and weight loss raise HDL-P and improve outcomes.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my hdl particle number?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get HDL Particle Number results?
Most HDL Particle Number results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a HDL Particle Number test cost?
Our Advanced Cholesterol Particle Test (NMR) starts at $70.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my HDL Particle Number test?
Yes — for the most accurate result, fast for 8–12 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine; coffee, food, and supplements are not. Your prep instructions will be included with your order.
Which lab will process my HDL Particle Number test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your hdl particle number?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $70.99.