Which component is included in a lipid panel?

A lipid panel is a blood test that measures the levels of various types of lipids in the bloodstream, which are crucial for assessing cardiovascular health and identifying risk factors for heart disease. Among the components measured in a lipid panel, HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is significant because it is often referred to as "good" cholesterol. Higher levels of HDL are generally associated with a lower risk of heart disease, as it helps to transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for processing and removal from the body.

In contrast, blood glucose levels are assessed in tests evaluating diabetes or metabolic disorders, while white blood cells and red blood cells are components typically analyzed in complete blood counts and not in lipid panels. Therefore, HDL is the correct component included in a lipid panel, as it directly relates to lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health assessment.