Lipoprotein (a) and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Serum
Use
This test is useful for evaluating the contribution of lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a])-cholesterol within measured low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It helps assess the increased risk for cardiovascular disease and events, especially in individuals at intermediate risk for cardiovascular disease, patients with early atherosclerosis, or those with a strong family history of early atherosclerosis without explanation by traditional risk factors. It is also used for the follow-up evaluation of patients with elevations in Lp(a) mass.
Special Instructions
Patients must fast for 8 hours and abstain from alcohol for 24 hours before specimen collection. The specimen must be sent refrigerated.
Limitations
The cholesterol within Lp(a) is included in methods that measure LDL-C. In patients with high concentrations of Lp(a), interpretation of LDL-C and subsequent clinical diagnoses and treatment strategies may be inaccurate. The test reports cholesterol measured within LDL by beta quantitation (both LDL-C and Lp[a]), cholesterol within Lp(a), and a calculated true LDL-C where Lp(a)-C is subtracted from beta quantitation LDL-C. The presence of lipoprotein-X (LpX) affects measurement accuracy and results of LDL-C and Lp(a)-C will not be reported if LpX is present.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 100732-7
- 35388-8
- 42178-4
- 18261-8
- 100733-5
Result Turnaround Time
3-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
1. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial. 2. Send refrigerated.
Patient Preparation
Fasting: 8 hours, required. Patient must abstain from alcohol for 24 hours before collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis; Gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 60 days |