Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) Serum Concentration
This test measures the amount of lipoprotein(a), a type of cholesterol-like substance in your blood that may increase your risk of heart disease.
["Lipoprotein(a) levels help assess cardiovascular risk beyond traditional cholesterol measures."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18102-4
- Short code
- LV Plane.sys Area A4C
- Synonyms
- LV Plane.sys Area A4C
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-d-a-c
- 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
What Is Lipoprotein(a)?
Lipoprotein(a) is a unique lipoprotein particle that combines cholesterol with a protein called apolipoprotein(a). While it shares some properties with LDL (low-density lipoprotein), it behaves differently in the body and is linked to higher risks of artery-clogging plaques, even in people with normal cholesterol levels.
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have a family history of heart disease, early heart attacks, or stroke, especially if other risk factors like high blood pressure or smoking apply. It may also be used to monitor treatment effectiveness in certain conditions.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure lipoprotein(a) levels using a specialized immunoassay method.
What Do Results Mean?
Results are reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL). Higher levels may indicate increased cardiovascular risk, but interpretation depends on your overall health profile.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Lp(a) Level
Frequently asked questions
What does lipoprotein(a) measure?
Lipoprotein(a) behaves differently than LDL cholesterol. While LDL is primarily associated with plaque buildup in arteries, lipoprotein(a) has a stronger independent link to heart disease risk, even in people with normal LDL levels.
Lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and smoking cessation may influence overall cardiovascular risk, but lipoprotein(a) levels are generally less responsive to these changes compared to LDL cholesterol. Genetic factors play a major role in determining lipoprotein(a) levels.
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