Lipoprotein (a), Serum

Diagnostic Use

Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) is a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle with an apolipoprotein(a) attached via a disulphide bridge.

The structure of Lp(a) is highly heterogeneous with many different genetically determined apo(a) isoforms. It has strong structural homology with plasminogen and as a result is thought to be pro-thrombotic. It is an independent risk factor for premature coronary artery disease (CAD).

Lp(a) is NOT the same as apolipoprotein A1 which is the protein associated with HDL-cholesterol.

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

LPA

Laboratory Handling

Separating

Primary sample should be separated within 4 hours of collection.

Turnaround Time

1 week

Test Code

4165

Specimen Type

• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Additional Specimen Information

Lithium heparin and EDTA plasma are NOT acceptable.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.3

Transport to Lab

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

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

500 ul serum. Store fridge 4°C. Minimum 300 ul serum.

Interpretation

Whilst elevated Lp(a) is an independent CV risk factor, it is not responsive to diet or to mainstream lipid-lowering drugs.

There is no evidence that Lp(a) modification will alter CV risk.

The value in measurement of Lp(a) is when overall CV risk is otherwise borderline and uncertain. In that situation, an elevated Lp(a) may influence the decision towards intervention with statins or other drugs to lower LDL-cholesterol (ie to treat what can be treated).

 

Reference Intervals

< 300 mg/L

Test Method

Immunoturbidometric

Non-Funded Test Cost

$15.73 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

4165

Contact Information

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