Test Directory

Lp(a) determination is intended for use in conjunction with clinical evaluation, patient risk assessment, and other lipid tests to evaluate disorders of lipid metabolism and to assess coronary heart disease in specific populations.

Preferred Specimen Type: Serum

Alternate Specimen Type: Plasma

Preferred Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator or Red Top, Plain

Alternate Collection Container: Lavender Top (EDTA

Desired Specimen Volume: 1 mL

1. Collect a gold top serum separator tube via venipuncture.

1. Separate serum from cells as soon as possible (within two hours).
2. Transfer 1 mL of serum to a clear aliquot tube (screw cap).

Intake of alcohol, aspirin, niacin, and estrogen supplements have the potential of causing a misrepresentation of true Lp(a) concentrations.

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 

• Grossly hemolyzed
• Lipemic
• Icteric specimens

See patient report.

Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and cerebral infarction (in white populations) equal to high LDL cholesterol. Serum concentrations are genetically determined. Fifteen percent to 20% of the white population have Lp(a) levels ≥75 nmol/L and are presumed to be at risk. Race-dependent differences in Lp(a) concentrations are known. Significance of high Lp(a) in nonwhite populations must be evaluated with caution.

The Lp(a) levels in different ethnic populations can vary widely. Africans, or people of African descent, generally have Lp(a) levels higher than Caucasians and Asians, while Native Americans generally have levels lower than Caucasians. This variability of Lp(a) levels by ethnic population requires careful interpretation of results based on a knowledge of the patient and other cardiac risk factors that may be present.

• Lp "Little a"