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HelpTest Code LPALD Lipoprotein (a) and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Serum
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation:
1. Fasting (8 hours) required
2. Patient must abstain from alcohol for 24 hours before collection.
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 4 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
2. Send refrigerated.
Useful For
Evaluation of the contribution of lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a])-cholesterol within measured low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Evaluation of increased risk for cardiovascular disease and events:
-Most appropriately measured in individuals at intermediate risk for cardiovascular disease
-Patients with early atherosclerosis or strong family history of early atherosclerosis without explanation by traditional risk factors should also be considered for testing
-Follow-up evaluation of patients with elevations in Lp(a) mass
Method Name
Lipoprotein (a) Cholesterol: Electrophoresis/Enzyme Staining/Densitometry
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: Ultracentrifugation/Selective Precipitation/Enzymatic Colorimetric (Beta-Quantification)
Reporting Name
Lp(a) and LDL Cholesterol, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 60 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Clinical Information
The cholesterol within lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) is included in every method that measures low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Therefore, in patients that express high concentrations of Lp(a) the interpretation of LDL-C and the resulting clinical diagnoses and treatment strategies may be inaccurate. This panel reports 3 values: 1) the cholesterol measured within LDL by beta quantitation (this result contains both LDL-C and Lp[a]), 2) the cholesterol within Lp(a), and 3) a calculated "true" LDL-C where Lp(a)-C is subtracted from the beta quantitation LDL-C.
The abnormal lipoprotein-X (LpX) is visible on lipoprotein electrophoresis. If LpX is present, the measurement of LDL-C is inaccurate and will not be reported.
Reference Values
Lipoprotein (a) Cholesterol: Normal: <5 mg/dL
Lipoprotein-X: Undetectable
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C):
The National Lipid Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) have set the following guidelines for LDL-C in adults (ages 18 years and older):
Desirable: <100 mg/dL
Above desirable: 100-129 mg/dL
Borderline high: 130-159 mg/dL
High: 160-189 mg/dL
Very high: ≥190 mg/dL
The Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents has set the following guidelines for LDL-C in children and adolescents (ages 2-17 years):
Acceptable: <110 mg/dL
Borderline high: 110-129 mg/dL
High: ≥130 mg/dL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Thursday, Sunday
Report Available
3 to 4 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83700
83701
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request Form (T724) with the specimen.