Lipid Electrophoresis, Plasma (Plasma / Serum)

Diagnostic Use

Lipoprotein electrophoresis separates lipoprotein fractions by charge to determine typical patterns and relative concentrations of lipoproteins in the serum.

Can identify bands attributable to chylomicrons, VLDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, lipoprotein (a) and Lipoprotein X (or LpX).

It is mostly a useful adjunct in the identification of 'broad beta' disease or type III hyperlipidaemia.

It can assist in the assignment of the Fredrickson classification, especially with combined pattern dyslipidaemia with triglyceride elevation.

Can assist in identifying the non-fasted state with presence of chylomicrons.

In most lipid disorders, however it is not required and otherwise does not contribute additional diagnostic information.

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

LIPE

Synonyms

Electrophoresis, Lipid
Lipoprotein electrophoresis

Turnaround Time

2 weeks

Test Code

4160

Specimen Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.1

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

3.1

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.1

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

500 uL plasma or serum. Store fridge 4°C. Minimum 100 uL plasma or serum.
Please provide Lipid profile results (Cholesterol, Triglyceride and HDL) to aid in interpretation of electrophoresis. If these results are not provided the analysis will be performed at CHL and charged accordingly.

Interpretation

Modified Fredrickson Electrophoresis Classification for Hyperlipidaemia

It is mostly a useful adjunct in the identification of ‘broad beta’ disease or type III hyperlipidaemia. The presence of a ‘broad beta’ band is strongly supportive of a type III disorder and an indication to do apo E genotyping (looking for the E2/2 genotype, as opposed to normal E3/3).

It can assist in the assignment of the Fredrickson classification, especially with combined pattern dyslipidaemia with triglyceride elevation. The presence of both VLDL and LDL-cholesterol bands in this context may be supportive of a familial combined hyperlipidaemia.

Can assist in identifying the non-fasted state with presence of chylomicrons.

It may also identify bands attributable to lipoprotein (a) and also Lipoprotein X (or LpX), associated with cholestatic liver disease.

In most lipid disorders, however it is not required and otherwise does not contribute additional diagnostic information.

Test Method

Semi automated agarose gel electrophoresis

Non-Funded Test Cost

$19.71 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

4160

Contact Information

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