| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Lipoprotein(a), Serum
Test CodeLIPOA
Alias/See Also
Epic: LAB563
Mayo: LIPA1
Lipoprotein (a), S
Lipoprotein a
LP "little-A"
Lp(a) apoprotein
Mayo: LIPA1
Lipoprotein (a), S
Lipoprotein a
LP "little-A"
Lp(a) apoprotein
CPT Codes
83695
Preferred Specimen
Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Container: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Collection Container: Red top
Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial. Send refrigerated.
Transport Container
Plastic vial
Specimen Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 30 days | ||
| Ambient | 24 hours |
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Methodology
Immunoturbidimetric Assay
Setup Schedule
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
1 to 3 days
Limitations
CAUTIONS
Epidemiologic studies have shown lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) concentrations are lowest in non-Hispanic white, Chinese, and Japanese populations. The Hispanic population has a slightly higher median Lp(a) concentration, and, in the African American population, the median Lp(a) serum concentration is approximately 2 times higher than in the white population.
In very rare cases, gammopathy, type IgM (Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia) in particular, may cause unreliable results.
Epidemiologic studies have shown lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) concentrations are lowest in non-Hispanic white, Chinese, and Japanese populations. The Hispanic population has a slightly higher median Lp(a) concentration, and, in the African American population, the median Lp(a) serum concentration is approximately 2 times higher than in the white population.
In very rare cases, gammopathy, type IgM (Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia) in particular, may cause unreliable results.
Reference Range
REFERENCE VALUES
> or =18 years: <75 nmol/L
Values > or =75 nmol/L may suggest increased risk of coronary heart disease.
Values > or =175 nmol/L is considered a risk-enhancing factor for cardiovascular disease by several professional societies. Clinician-patient discussion of therapeutic strategy is warranted.
Reference values have not been established for patients who are less than 18 years of age.
INTERPRETATION
Lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) concentrations of 75 nmol/L and above is linearly related to increased risk of cardiovascular events independent of conventional risk markers.
> or =18 years: <75 nmol/L
Values > or =75 nmol/L may suggest increased risk of coronary heart disease.
Values > or =175 nmol/L is considered a risk-enhancing factor for cardiovascular disease by several professional societies. Clinician-patient discussion of therapeutic strategy is warranted.
Reference values have not been established for patients who are less than 18 years of age.
INTERPRETATION
Lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) concentrations of 75 nmol/L and above is linearly related to increased risk of cardiovascular events independent of conventional risk markers.
Clinical Significance
USEFUL FOR
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk refinement in patients with moderate or high risk based on conventional risk factors or patients with clinical suspicion of residual CV risk not identified by other lipid parameters
CLINICAL INFORMATION
Lipoprotein (a) consists of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle that is covalently bound to an additional protein, apolipoprotein (a) [Apo(a)]. Apo(a) has high sequence homology with the coagulation factor plasminogen, and like LDL, Lp(a) contains apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB). Thus, Lp(a) is both proatherogenic and prothrombotic.
Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic stroke, and aortic valve stenosis. Lp(a) has been referred to as "the most atherogenic lipoprotein". The mechanism of increased risk is unclear but most likely involves progression of atherosclerotic stenosis via intimal deposition of cholesterol and promotion of thrombosis via homology to plasminogen.
Accurate immunochemical measurement of Lp(a) is complicated by the heterogeneity of Lp(a) molecular size. Due to the large number of polymorphisms (varying number of kringle domain repeats in the Apo[a] protein) in the population, any given individual can have an Apo(a) protein between 240 to 800 kDa. This heterogeneity leads to inaccuracies in all immunoassay. In addition, the degree of atherogenicity of the Lp(a) particle may depend on the molecular size of the Lp(a)-specific protein. However, the measurement of Lp(a) using immunoassays calibrated to molar units is recommended to minimize assay inaccuracies caused by Apo(a) isoform size.
Serum concentrations of Lp(a) are related to genetic factors, specifically the expression of Apo(a), and are largely unaffected by diet, exercise, and lipid-lowering pharmaceuticals. However, in a patient with additional modifiable CHD risk factors, more aggressive therapy to normalize these factors may be indicated if the Lp(a) value is also increased. In cases of extremely elevated Lp(a), lipoprotein apheresis may be considered.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk refinement in patients with moderate or high risk based on conventional risk factors or patients with clinical suspicion of residual CV risk not identified by other lipid parameters
CLINICAL INFORMATION
Lipoprotein (a) consists of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle that is covalently bound to an additional protein, apolipoprotein (a) [Apo(a)]. Apo(a) has high sequence homology with the coagulation factor plasminogen, and like LDL, Lp(a) contains apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB). Thus, Lp(a) is both proatherogenic and prothrombotic.
Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic stroke, and aortic valve stenosis. Lp(a) has been referred to as "the most atherogenic lipoprotein". The mechanism of increased risk is unclear but most likely involves progression of atherosclerotic stenosis via intimal deposition of cholesterol and promotion of thrombosis via homology to plasminogen.
Accurate immunochemical measurement of Lp(a) is complicated by the heterogeneity of Lp(a) molecular size. Due to the large number of polymorphisms (varying number of kringle domain repeats in the Apo[a] protein) in the population, any given individual can have an Apo(a) protein between 240 to 800 kDa. This heterogeneity leads to inaccuracies in all immunoassay. In addition, the degree of atherogenicity of the Lp(a) particle may depend on the molecular size of the Lp(a)-specific protein. However, the measurement of Lp(a) using immunoassays calibrated to molar units is recommended to minimize assay inaccuracies caused by Apo(a) isoform size.
Serum concentrations of Lp(a) are related to genetic factors, specifically the expression of Apo(a), and are largely unaffected by diet, exercise, and lipid-lowering pharmaceuticals. However, in a patient with additional modifiable CHD risk factors, more aggressive therapy to normalize these factors may be indicated if the Lp(a) value is also increased. In cases of extremely elevated Lp(a), lipoprotein apheresis may be considered.
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Rochester
3050 Superior Drive NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Additional Information
Lipoprotein(a), Serum
Last Updated: July 11, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, July 11, 2023