Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test | Lp(a) Cholesterol Test

High-Risk Heart Health Lipid and Lp(a) Test Panel

Detect if you have high levels of cholesterol and/or Lp(a). Most people with high levels of cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) don't have any symptoms and don't know they are affected. Use these results to have an informative discussion with your healthcare provider to determine next steps. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8-12 hours is recommended. If you are not able to fast before the test, certain levels may be elevated. If you are taking medications, check with your healthcare provider to see whether you should take them before the test.

Test type: In Person

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$85.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

What

This panel measures total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (calculated), cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated), non-HDL cholesterol (calculated), and lipoprotein(a).

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.

How

Blood

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.

About the Test

This panel is an extended lipid panel that measures total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (calculated), cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated), non-HDL cholesterol (calculated), and lipoprotein(a) may help your risk for heart attack, heart disease, stroke, and other diseases of the blood vessels for those with a history of premature ASCVD not explained by major risk factors.

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a) is one of a group of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol through the blood. This group of lipoproteins also includes Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). Lp(a) looks like LDL cholesterol or “bad” cholesterol, but it may be more likely to build up in the walls of your blood vessels, putting you at risk for cardiovascular disease (heart and blood vessel disease). Lp(a) levels are tied to a specific gene in your DNA inherited from your parents. Lp(a) levels appear in your body by age five and remain the same throughout your life. While all ethnic groups are affected, Lp(a) is more common in African Americans and South Asians. Lp(a) levels may also rise in women and remain raised after menopause when estrogen levels decrease. Acute illness may also cause a temporary change in your level.

If the results show you have higher than normal levels of cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), or other abnormal results, you and your healthcare provider can work together to determine next steps.

Buy your own Lipid panel with Lp(a) test online with Quest. No doctor’s visit is required – simply purchase your test, visit a nearby Quest location for sample collection, and get fast results.

How do I know if this test is right for me?

This test may be right for you if you:

You have a personal history of ASCVD as a young adult
Family history of premature ASCVD
You want to better understand your risk of a heart attack, heart disease, stroke, and other diseases of the blood vessels

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found in everyone’s blood and is needed to make cell membranes, some hormones, and Vitamin D. Cholesterol comes from some animal-based foods, such as eggs, meat, and dairy. It is also produced by the liver. Too much cholesterol in the blood can clog blood vessels, reducing the flow of blood to the heart, brain, and other organs. This can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions.

This measures the total amount of cholesterol found in your blood. This is the combination of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”) cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in your blood may damage arteries and blood vessels, which may increase the risk for a stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.

Triglycerides are fats that are formed from foods such as oils, dairy, and red meat. These fats get converted into triglycerides and are stored away in fat cells to be used when needed. High levels of triglycerides can lead to hardening and thickening of the arteries.

HDL, which is often called "good" cholesterol, picks up extra cholesterol that is circulating in the blood, using apolipoprotein A, and takes it back to your liver so it can be removed from your body.

LDL, often called "bad" cholesterol, transports cholesterol throughout your body to the cells that need it. Too much LDL can make cholesterol build up in your arteries, making them narrow and stiff, or blocking them, which makes it more difficult for blood to flow.

Cholesterol/HDL ratio is the ratio of HDL to your total cholesterol. A higher ratio means that you don’t have enough HDL for the amount of LDL, and that can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Non-HDL cholesterol measures the combined amount of cholesterol in the blood that is not HDL cholesterol. High levels of non-HDL cholesterol may increase the risk of atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries).

Lipoprotein(a), like LDL, is a low-density lipoprotein that transports cholesterol throughout the body. Too much of it can cause cholesterol to build up in your blood vessels, forming plaques and reducing blood flow to your brain, heart, and other body parts.

High cholesterol or lipoprotein(a) may not have signs and symptoms. However, in many cases high cholesterol or lipoprotein(a) can increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. A blood test is the only way to know for sure if you have high cholesterol or lipoprotein(a).

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. This test requires specimen collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile™, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection not available in AK, AZ, or HI.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, not available in all locations.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes up to 5 business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

Compare Tests

And find the right tests for you.

Test For	High-Risk Heart Health Lipid and Lp(a) Test Panel	Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel	Total Cholesterol Test
Total cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (calculated)
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Triglycerides
Cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated)
Non-HDL cholesterol (calculated)
Lipoprotein(a)
	$85.00	$59.00 Learn More	$39.00 Learn More

High-Risk Heart Health Lipid and Lp(a) Test Panel	Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel	Total Cholesterol Test
Total cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (calculated)
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Triglycerides
Cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated)
Non-HDL cholesterol (calculated)
Lipoprotein(a)
$85.00	$59.00 Learn More	$39.00 Learn More

How it works

questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

In-person
In-home sample collection

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Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

Buy a lab test
+ in-home sample collection

No doctor visit required for purchase. If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

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Register your test
& schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, register your test and Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

Now pair your Quest lab work with Health Coaching to put your diagnostic insights into action.

Learn more >

Understanding the balance between cholesterol's helpful and harmful effects is vital to staying healthy.

Recent research suggests that knowing your Lp(a) level is essential to understanding your risk for heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. Learn more about Lp(a) here.

FAQs

What’s the difference between lipoproteins, and Lp(a)?

Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream on particles made of protein and fat (lipoproteins).

Good cholesterol (HDL), bad cholesterol (LDL), and lipoprotein(a) are all lipoproteins that carry cholesterol throughout the body.

Lipoprotein(a), in short Lp(a), is referred to as “genetic” lipoprotein. Lp(a) is an LDL-like particle with an added second protein, apo(a), which acts similarly to a patch of “Velcro” on an LDL particle. It is considered a very “sticky” lipoprotein particle because of the function of the added protein.

Are there genetic risk factors for developing high cholesterol?

Yes, high cholesterol can be genetic when there's a family health history of this condition. Additionally, some individuals may inherit a life-threatening genetic disorder known as familial hypercholesterolemia. This condition causes extraordinarily high LDL cholesterol levels from a young age and, if untreated, worsens with age.

How do the Lp(a) levels increase in the blood?

Your Lp(a) level is generally between 80-90% genetically determined. An elevated Lp(a) alone increases cardiovascular disease risk. There is a greater chance of inheriting this risk factor if one of your parents also has or had elevated Lp(a).

What is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerotic plaques cause blood vessels to harden and narrow. This restricts the blood flow and oxygen supply to organs. It also increases the risk of blood clots forming. These clots can block the flow of blood, causing heart attack, heart failure, peripheral artery disease or stroke.

Many people may not know they have atherosclerosis because there may not be symptoms. But it can eventually cause problems that are life-threatening. So, it’s important to be aware of cardiovascular disease risk factors and how to manage them.

Why can I only buy this test once?

The Lipoprotein(a)/Lp(a) marker doesn't usually change over time, so we limit this to one lifetime purchase.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.