Lipoprotein Subfraction Analysis (Serum) by Electrophoresis
This test measures different types of fats (lipoproteins) in your blood, which help identify how cholesterol is distributed among various particles.
["Helps assess heart health by identifying unhealthy cholesterol patterns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 75437-4
- Short code
- LPN Note
- Synonyms
- LPN Note
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- licensed-practical-nurse
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters for Heart Health
Lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout your bloodstream. Some types, like low-density lipoproteins (LDL), can build up in arteries over time, increasing heart disease risk. This test helps doctors spot these patterns early.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely have a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may be required depending on your specific test instructions.
Common Uses of the Test
Doctors use this test to evaluate cholesterol levels, diagnose conditions like high cholesterol or heart disease, and guide treatment plans for managing lipid disorders.
What the Results Typically Mean
Results show proportions of different lipoprotein types, helping identify whether you have high levels of harmful particles (e.g., small, dense LDL) or low levels of protective particles (e.g., high-density lipoproteins).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Lipoprotein Profile
Frequently asked questions
What does a ‘lipoprotein profile’ measure exactly?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can this test detect all types of cholesterol?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy