Home
HelpOrder 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 |
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
Method Description
Lipoprotein (a) Cholesterol:
Electrophoretic separation of lipoproteins followed by lipid staining and densitometry measurement.(Package insert: SPIFE Vis Cholesterol Reagent. Helena Laboratories; 09/2015)
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol:
Serum is combined with dextran sulfate and magnesium, ions precipitate the low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein fractions, leaving the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction in solution. The HDL cholesterol is then determined using an enzymatic cholesterol assay.(Package insert: HDL Cholesterol Precipitating Reagent Set (Dextran Sulfate). Pointe Scientific, INC; 12/2009)
Cholesterol esters are cleaved by the action of cholesterol esterase to yield free cholesterol and fatty acids. Cholesterol oxidase then catalyzes the oxidation of cholesterol to cholest-4-en-3-one and hydrogen peroxide. In the presence of peroxidase, the hydrogen peroxide formed effects the oxidative coupling of phenol and 4-aminophenazone to form a red quinone-imine dye. The color intensity of the dye formed is directly proportional to the cholesterol concentration. It is determined by measuring the increase in absorbance.(Package insert: Roche Cholesterol Gen 2 Reagent. Roche Diagnostics; V 16.0, 10/2023)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Thursday, Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
83700
83701
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request Form (T724) with the specimen.