$18.00
Priced per marker, with baseline labs included. You’ll see your total before you pay.
Heart & circulation
Lp(a) test
Lipoprotein (a). Genetically determined atherogenic particle that can independently raise heart and stroke risk.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Lipoprotein (a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle linked to heart attack and stroke. Its level is set mostly by your genes and stays fairly steady through life.
Why it matters for women
High lipoprotein (a) can be a common inherited heart risk that a standard cholesterol test doesn’t measure, so it can go unnoticed in women whose other results look healthy. Because it’s set by your genes, many people only need it checked once.
You might check it if…
- heart disease or stroke happened early in your family
- you’ve never had it measured
- a close relative has high lipoprotein (a)
What your result may mean
High Lp(a): what it may mean
High lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), may add to your risk of early heart disease and aortic stenosis, a narrowing of a heart valve, apart from your other cholesterol numbers. Your genes can set most of this level, so diet and exercise may not change it much. Levels can climb after menopause, and a standard cholesterol panel can't see it. You may feel fine and have healthy-looking results otherwise. A clinician may ask about early heart disease in your family and talk about testing relatives.
Low Lp(a): what it may mean
Low lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), may be reassuring, and it may need no follow-up or treatment. Because your genes can set this level, one test may be all you need, even as other cholesterol numbers change. It can't cancel out other heart risks, though, so LDL, blood pressure, smoking and blood sugar may still matter. This result can be one more piece of your long-term heart picture, alongside your family history.
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No insurance required · HSA/FSA eligible · No subscription
These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.