Lipoprotein
$ 89.00
Lipoprotein(a) Blood Test
Lp(a) Heart Risk Blood Test for Inherited Cardiovascular Risk Screening
The Lipoprotein(a) Blood Test, also called an Lp(a) test, measures the amount of lipoprotein(a) in your blood.
Lp(a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle that is similar to LDL cholesterol, but it is mostly determined by genetics. High Lp(a) may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis, and aortic valve disease.
This test may be useful for people with a personal or family history of early heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, familial hypercholesterolemia, or unexplained cardiovascular risk.
This service provides access to lab testing only. It is intended as a screening and risk-assessment tool and does not diagnose, treat, or replace care from a licensed healthcare provider.
✔ Measures Lipoprotein(a), also called Lp(a)
✔ Useful for inherited heart risk screening
✔ Not included in a standard cholesterol panel
✔ Doctor's order included
✔ No insurance required
⏱ Typical turnaround: results are usually emailed in 1–3 days.
What This Test Measures
Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a)
This blood test measures Lipoprotein(a), a type of lipoprotein particle that carries cholesterol in the blood.
- Test name: Lipoprotein(a)
- Also known as: Lp(a), L-P-little-A
- Sample type: Blood
- Purpose: Inherited cardiovascular risk screening
- Common use: Heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk assessment
Why Order an Lp(a) Test?
- Inherited risk screening - Lp(a) levels are largely genetic and may run in families.
- Early heart disease history - May be useful if you or close relatives had early heart attack, stroke, or artery disease.
- Family history of high cholesterol - Lp(a) may be elevated in people with familial hypercholesterolemia.
- Normal cholesterol but elevated risk - Lp(a) can be high even when standard cholesterol results look normal.
- Heart and stroke risk discussion - Results may help your provider personalize your prevention plan.
- Provider-directed testing - Useful when your healthcare provider specifically requests Lp(a).
Who May Consider This Test?
This test may be appropriate for:
- People with a family history of early heart attack or stroke
- Individuals with personal history of premature cardiovascular disease
- People with familial hypercholesterolemia or very high LDL cholesterol
- Individuals with heart disease despite normal or controlled cholesterol
- People with a family member known to have elevated Lp(a)
- Anyone whose healthcare provider requested Lipoprotein(a) testing
Lp(a) Is Different From a Standard Cholesterol Test
A standard lipid panel usually measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
A standard lipid panel does not usually include Lipoprotein(a). Lp(a) must typically be ordered as a separate test.
Why Lp(a) Matters
Elevated Lp(a) may increase cardiovascular risk in several ways. It may contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, inflammation, and clot-related risk.
Because Lp(a) is mostly inherited, many people with high Lp(a) have no symptoms and may not know their level unless they test.
How Often Should Lp(a) Be Tested?
Lp(a) levels are usually stable over a person's lifetime because they are largely genetic. Many people may only need to check Lp(a) once unless their healthcare provider recommends repeat testing.
Your provider may suggest testing close family members if your Lp(a) is elevated.
Important Symptom Warning
If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, stroke-like symptoms, fainting, severe dizziness, jaw or arm pain, or any urgent medical concern, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Do not use this test as a substitute for urgent medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Important: Screening Only
LabReqs and SchoolTiters provide access to lab testing. We do not diagnose heart disease, stroke risk, atherosclerosis, aortic stenosis, familial hypercholesterolemia, or any medical condition.
Results should be reviewed with a licensed healthcare provider, cardiologist, lipid specialist, or other qualified clinician.
Important Limitations
- This test does not diagnose heart disease by itself.
- A normal Lp(a) result does not mean you have no cardiovascular risk.
- A high Lp(a) result should be reviewed with your healthcare provider along with LDL, HDL, triglycerides, blood pressure, diabetes status, smoking history, family history, and other risk factors.
- This test does not include a standard lipid panel unless ordered separately.
- This test does not provide medication or treatment recommendations.
Before Ordering
- Confirm whether your provider requested Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), or a full lipid/cardiac panel.
- If you need cholesterol testing, order a lipid panel separately unless included in another panel.
- Do not stop cholesterol medication or other medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
- If you are unsure whether Lp(a) testing is right for you, ask your healthcare provider before ordering.
How It Works
- Order online.
- Receive your lab order. A doctor's order is included.
- Visit a participating lab location.
- Complete a simple blood draw.
- Receive your results. Result timing may vary by lab, location, and processing requirements.
Why Choose This Test?
✅ Measures Lipoprotein(a), also called Lp(a)
✅ Useful for inherited heart risk screening
✅ Helpful when standard cholesterol does not explain risk
✅ Doctor's order included
✅ No insurance needed
✅ Convenient online ordering
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lipoprotein(a)?
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a cholesterol-carrying particle in the blood. High levels may increase risk for heart attack, stroke, and aortic valve disease.
Is Lp(a) included in a standard cholesterol test?
Usually no. A standard lipid panel typically checks total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Lp(a) usually needs to be ordered separately.
Is Lp(a) genetic?
Yes. Lp(a) levels are largely inherited and often run in families.
Do I need to fast?
Fasting is usually not required unless your healthcare provider gives different instructions or you are ordering other tests at the same time.
Does this test diagnose heart disease?
No. This test provides risk-related lab information only. Diagnosis and treatment decisions must be made by a licensed healthcare provider.
How often should I test Lp(a)?
Many people only need to test Lp(a) once because levels are usually stable over time. Your provider may recommend repeat testing in certain situations.
Is a doctor's order included?
Yes. A doctor's order is included with this lab test.
Order Your Lipoprotein(a) Blood Test
Use this test when you need Lp(a) testing for inherited heart risk screening, family history of early heart disease, high cholesterol concerns, or provider-directed cardiovascular risk evaluation.
Order your Lipoprotein(a) Blood Test today.
Lipoprotein
$ 89.00
