Test Description

Lp(a) is typically driven by genetics, not lifestyle, so elevations are very resistant to treatment, so it is important to aggressively treat all associated atherogenic lipopoprotein abnormalities. Lipoproteins are particles made up of fat and proteins and have a role in carrying cholesterol through the blood. Like LDL, Lp(a) is also known as the “bad cholesterol”. It’s part of the LDL subclass with an apolipoprotein attached to it. Apolipoprotein B’s role is lipid metabolism and is the main component of the lipoproteins. The (a) is attached to the apolipoprotein B and is thought to be a contributor to inflammation by not breaking down arterial clots as it normally should.

When should this test be ordered?
May be ordered on patient’s with family history of premature heart disease or when evaluating cardiovascular risk when ordered with other risk markers.
High Risk · >= 30 (mg/dL)
Lp(a): Follow NCEP: ATPIII guidelines. Consider adequate intake of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, moderate alcohol intake, weight loss and regular exercise. Consider nicotinic acid.
Borderline Risk ·
Not applicable for this test
Low Risk · 0 - 29 (mg/dL)
Because of the genetic component, if your result is normal, your healthcare provider may only order this test once.
Testing Method Used
Antibody agglutination.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
This test has a genetic disposition and can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease if elevated and because of that abnormal results are resistant to lifestyle modifications.
Specimen Type
Serum
Fasting Required
No, but may be ordered with tests that require fasting.
Drawing and Processing

tube1

  1. Draw from a vein into a SST tube
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately
  3. Let stand upright in tube rack for 30 minutes
  4. Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3300rpm
  5. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  6. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
Any level of hemolysis; QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly lipemic; wrong sample type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or improperly labeled specimen
References
1. Kamstrup PR, Tybjaerg-Hansen A, Steffensen R, et al. Genetically elevated lipoprotein(a) and increased risk of myocardial infarction. JAMA. 2009;301:2331-2339.
2. Nordestgaard BG, Chapman MJ, Ray K, et al. Lipoprotein(a) as a cardiovascular risk factor: current status. Eur Heart J. 2010;31:2844-2853.
3. Davidson MH, Ballantyne CM, Jacobson TA, et al. Clinical utility of inflammatory markers and advanced lipoprotein testing: Advice from an expert panel of lipid specialists. J Clin Lipidol. 2011;5:338-367.

The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.