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Lipoprotein (a)

Lp(a)

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB5793, Beaker: LIPOA, Antrim: 31428

Department

Chemistry

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Gold-top SST tube. (Minimum Whole Blood: 2.0 mL)

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the centrifuged collection tube within eight hours of collection. (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Centrifuged collection tube, refrigerated (2-8 °C or 36-46 °F). (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Plasma specimens. 
• Severely hemolyzed, lipemic or icteric specimens. 
• Specimens that have gross bacterial contamination.   

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Room temperature is acceptable for a maximum of eight hours. (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Centrifuged SST Tubes and Microtainers^® with Separator Gels
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 8 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Red-top Tubes and Microtainers^® without Separator Gels
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 8 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 8 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 1 month

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Automated Chemistry Laboratory

Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Results available in 2 business days. 

Reference Range

Less than or equal to 30 mg/dL.

Test Methodology

Immunoturbidimetry.

Interpretation

• Lp(a) is a lipoprotein which is very similar in structure to low density lipoprotein (LDL). The main difference between these two molecules is that Lp(a) contains an additional protein, apo(a). Lp(a) has been found to be pathogenic and its level is an independent risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease and stroke. Levels in the serum appear to be under fairly strict genetic control and seem to be difficult to manipulate by diet and traditional lipid-lowering drugs. Monosaturated fats and high intake of polyunsaturated fats may be useful in lowering Lp(a) levels.
• As indicated Lp(a) levels are genetically influenced but can also vary considerably within a given population. Africans and African-Americans have higher levels than Caucasians.
• Lp(a) levels are transiently reduced by about 20% after an acute myocardial infarction.
• Growth hormone therapy and cyclosporine therapy for organ transplantation have been associated with increased Lp(a) levels.

Clinical Utility

Lp(a) measurement is useful in determining whether a patient is at increased risk of developing vascular disease. Quantitation of Lp(a) may be useful in patients with:

• A history of premature coronary artery disease.
• A family history of coronary artery disease.
• A history of premature cerebrovascular disease.
• A family history of cerebrovascular disease.

A level greater than 34 mg/dL has been associated with a 2 fold increased risk of developing atherosclerosis. Africans and African-Americans tend to have higher levels of Lp(a) than Caucasians.

CPT Codes

83695

Contacts

Last Updated

11/11/2023