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Test Code 224

Test Details

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a))

High levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are an independent, predominantly inherited and causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Lp(a) can build up in the walls of blood vessels forming plaques. Plaques can decrease blood flow to the heart, brain, kidneys, lungs, legs, and other parts of the body. Lp(a) also promotes inflammation which increases the likelihood that plaques will rupture, blocking blood vessels and leading to heart attacks or strokes.1

    Lp(a) is a plasma lipoprotein that is composed of two parts:

  • LDL-like particle
  • Apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)], a protein made in the liver and attached to the apoB portion of this particle

 

Methodology

Immunoturbidimetric assay

Patient Preparation

None

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)

Alternate Specimen

  • 1.0 mL EDTA plasma (0.5 mL minimum) collected in plasma separator tube (Pearl Top)
  • Dried Blood collected on an AdvanceDx 100 card

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)

Stability

Refrigerated: 7 days

References:

1. Reyes-Soffer G, Ginsberg HN, Berglund L, Duell PB, Heffron SP, Kamstrup PR, et al. Lipoprotein(a): A Genetically Determined, Causal, and Prevalent Risk Factor for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42(1):e48-e60.

Lab Values

Lab Values

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a))

  • Optimal: <30 mg/dL
  • Borderline: 30–50 mg/dL
  • High Risk: >50 mg/dL
Test Details
Clinical Significance

Clinical Significance

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a))

Elevated levels are an independent risk factor for CVD.1-3

References:

  1. Nordestgaard BG, Chapman MJ, Ray K, et al. Lipoprotein(a) as a cardiovascular risk factor: current status. Eur Heart J. 2010;31(23):2844–2853.
  2. Hoff HF, Beck GJ, Skibinski CI, et al. Serum Lp(a) level as a predictor of vein graft stenosis after coronary artery bypass surgery in patients. Circulation. 1988;77(6):1238–1244.
  3. Lamon-Fava S, Marcovina SM, Albers JJ, Kennedy H, Deluca C, White CC, Cupples LA, McNamara JR, Seman LJ, Bongard V, Schaefer EJ. Lipoprotein(a) levels, isoforms, and coronary heart disease risk in the Framingham Off spring Study. J Lipid Res. 2011;52(6):1181-1187.
Lab Values
Treatment Options

Treatment Options

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a))

  • Niacin
  • Optimize LDL-C, sdLDL-C and apoB
  • Aspirin
Clinical Significance