Which tests measure Lipoprotein(a)?

Lipoprotein(a) is measured in 2 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Advanced Lipid Panel, Cardio IQ Test, Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] Test.

Biomarker Reference · Lp(a)

What does the Lipoprotein(a) test measure?

Q: Why is Lipoprotein(a) measured?

Lp(a) is an independent, genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis, identifying inherited risk not captured by the standard lipid panel. It is used to refine risk assessment, particularly in those with a personal or family history of premature cardiovascular disease, and to inform the intensity of risk-factor management. Reporting in nmol/L (particle concentration) is preferred over mg/dL (mass) because the two are not directly interchangeable across the range of isoform sizes.

Q: What is the reference range for Lipoprotein(a)?

The standard reference range for Lipoprotein(a) is Desirable: 125 nmol/L (>~50 mg/dL) # REVIEWER FLAG: Thresholds and the nmol/L–mg/dL relationship are method-dependent and not directly convertible; nmol/L (particle number) is preferred — reviewer to confirm against Access Medical Laboratories' assay and reporting units.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a clinical biomarker used in cardiovascular assessment. Lipoprotein(a) is an LDL-like particle in which apolipoprotein(a) is covalently linked to apolipoprotein B-100. It is measured in 2 laboratory tests on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Desirable: <75 nmol/L (<~30 mg/dL); high risk: >125 nmol/L (>~50 mg/dL) # REVIEWER FLAG: Thresholds and the nmol/L–mg/dL relationship are method-dependent and not directly convertible; nmol/L (particle number) is preferred — reviewer to confirm against Access Medical Laboratories' assay and reporting units.
Units: nmol/L, mg/dL
Measured In: 2 tests
Category: Cardiovascular

Functional medicine optimalLower is favourable; <75 nmol/L is generally considered desirable # REVIEWER FLAG: 'Optimal' Lp(a) threshold is guideline- and assay-dependent — reviewer to confirm framing and units.

What is Lipoprotein(a)?

Lipoprotein(a) is an LDL-like particle in which apolipoprotein(a) is covalently linked to apolipoprotein B-100. Its plasma concentration is largely genetically determined by the LPA gene, with the apo(a) isoform size inversely related to concentration, and levels remain relatively stable through life and are minimally affected by diet or lifestyle. Lp(a) is thought to be pro-atherogenic, pro-inflammatory, and pro-thrombotic, contributing to atherosclerosis and aortic valve disease. Because levels are inherited and stable, a single measurement is usually sufficient to establish lifelong risk.

Why is Lipoprotein(a) measured?

Lp(a) is an independent, genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis, identifying inherited risk not captured by the standard lipid panel. It is used to refine risk assessment, particularly in those with a personal or family history of premature cardiovascular disease, and to inform the intensity of risk-factor management. Reporting in nmol/L (particle concentration) is preferred over mg/dL (mass) because the two are not directly interchangeable across the range of isoform sizes.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Desirable: <75 nmol/L (<~30 mg/dL); high risk: >125 nmol/L (>~50 mg/dL) # REVIEWER FLAG: Thresholds and the nmol/L–mg/dL relationship are method-dependent and not directly convertible; nmol/L (particle number) is preferred — reviewer to confirm against Access Medical Laboratories' assay and reporting units.
Functional medicine optimal: Lower is favourable; <75 nmol/L is generally considered desirable # REVIEWER FLAG: 'Optimal' Lp(a) threshold is guideline- and assay-dependent — reviewer to confirm framing and units.
Units: nmol/L, mg/dL

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure Lipoprotein(a)

2 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-CAR-033Comprehensive

Advanced Lipid Panel, Cardio IQ Test

Lipoprotein(a) reference range in this test: Risk rises above roughly 75 nmol/L (about 30 mg/dL); above 125 nmol/L (about 50 mg/dL) is widely treated as high.

BML-CAR-026Comprehensive

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] Test

Lipoprotein(a) reference range in this test: Desirable: <75 nmol/L (<~30 mg/dL); high risk: >125 nmol/L (>~50 mg/dL) # REVIEWER FLAG: Thresholds and the nmol/L–mg/dL relationship are method-dependent and not directly convertible; nmol/L (particle number) is preferred — reviewer to confirm against Access Medical Laboratories' assay and reporting units.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

Low-Density Lipoprotein Particle NumberLDL-P1 test Apolipoprotein BApoB2 tests Low-Density Lipoprotein CholesterolLDL-C1 test High-Density Lipoprotein CholesterolHDL-C1 test TriglyceridesTG4 tests Non-HDL Cholesterol (derived)Non-HDL-C2 tests

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