Effective 6 December 2025, Awanui Laboratories will implement the reporting of lipid target limits on all lipid panel results. This aligns our practice with the approach used by the majority of public and private laboratories across New Zealand.
Historically, lipid results were variably reported with or without reference intervals, depending on the region. The absence of reference intervals prevents automated flagging of abnormal results—introducing a potential patient-safety risk. The introduction of target limits will enable consistent and appropriate flagging of abnormal findings and support ongoing national harmonisation initiatives.
Non-HDL cholesterol will also be added to all patient reports. This is a measure of atherogenic Apo B containing particles (precursor VLDL, VLDL remnant/IDL, LDL). Risk and treatment guidelines have primarily focused on LDL as VLDL and IDL particles are usually present at low concentrations (<=0.8 mmol/L). Their concentrations, however, can increase in clinical states of slow lipid particle clearance, e.g. diabetes, hypothyroidism, and metabolic syndrome. In these patients, a raised non-HDL cholesterol can reflect increased concentrations of these triglyceride-rich particles, with increased CVD risk, even if LDL appears reassuring. In a non-fasting patient, a non-HDL cholesterol >=5.7 mmol/L suggests a possible genetic dyslipidaemia.
Target limits >=19 yrs:
| Total cholesterol | <5.0 |
| HDL cholesterol | >1.0 |
| LDL choleserol | <3.4 |
| Triglyceride (TG) | <2.0 |
| Total/HDL ratio | <4.5 |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | <4.2 |
Target limits <19 yrs:
| Age | Total cholesterol | HDL cholesterol | Triglyceride |
| 0-14 days | 1.2-3.2 | 0.4-1.1 | 0.9-3.0 |
| 15 days-1 year | 1.6-6.2 | 0.3-1.9 | 0.6-3.0 |
| 1-19 years | 2.9-5.4 | 0.8-1.9 | 0.5-2.3 |
Important Clinical Notes
- Lipid target limits are intended as general guidance only and only apply to adults without major cardiovascular risk factors. A statement to this effect will be included on all reports.
- Clinical management decisions should continue to be based on global cardiovascular risk assessment using a validated tool (e.g., PREDICT), unless a single risk factor is markedly abnormal and requires specific intervention.
For further information, please contact the laboratory directly.
Dr Melissa Yssel
Clinical Lead – Chemical Pathology & Illumiscreen
Awanui Labs