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Test Code CHEM147 Lipoprotein (A)

Clinical Information

Lipoprotein (a)  [Lp(a)] is composed of an LDL particle with apolipoprotein (a) and is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. Lp(a) testing may be useful in patients with family history of premature atherosclerosis not explaind by major risk factors, elevated Lp(a), very high LDL cholesterol, familiar hypercholesterolemia, and with very high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Synonym

  • LP(a)
  • LPA
  • ApoA

Specimen Required

Preferred Container/Tube: Gold SST Top
Acceptable Container/Tube:  Gold SST Top, Red Top
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Ambient: 24 hours 
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 5 days

Specimen Collection Information

Allow to clot, then spin.

Rejected Due To

  • Gross lipemia
  • Wrong tube type

Reference Values

<75 nmol/L

Interpretation

Lp(a) concentrations ≥75 nmol/L are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis. However, cardiovascular professional societies recognize Lp(a) as a cardiovascular risk-enhancing factor only at concentrations ≥125 nmol/L. Therefore, values ≥125 nmol/L should prompt clinician–patient discussion regarding cardiovascular risk assessment and management.

Method Description

Immunoturbidimetric assay

Performing Lab

Clinical Lab UH

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Same day/1 day

Reporting Name

Lipoprotein (A)

CPT Code Information

83695

LOINC Code Information

43583-4