Lipoprotein(a) levels: what's normal, high and low
A genetically-determined cholesterol particle that carries independent cardiovascular risk.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Lipoprotein(a) is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 75.0 nmol/L. At TestWell it's $90.99 all-in as Advanced Lipid Panel, results in 3–5 business days, drawn at Quest. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- nmol/L / mg/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- 8–12 hours
- Results
- 3–5 business days
- Price
- $90.99
- Labs
- Quest
Lipoprotein(a) Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 0.000 – 75.0 nmol/L |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your Lipoprotein(a) result may mean
Above 75 nmol/L is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Lp(a) is largely genetic and stable over time.
What a high Lipoprotein(a) means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a high Lipoprotein(a) mean?
Lipoprotein(a) is inherited and mostly fixed for life; about 1 in 5 people has a high level. Above about 125 nmol/L (or 50 mg/dL) is considered high and independently raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and aortic valve stenosis. It doesn't respond to diet or statins, so a high result changes how aggressively LDL, blood pressure and other risks are treated — and prompts testing first-degree relatives.
Common causes of a high Lipoprotein(a)
- Genetics (the LPA gene) — the dominant determinant
- Kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome) and hypothyroidism modestly raise it
- Menopause modestly raises it
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None — risk is silent
What clinicians usually check next
- No repeat needed; it's a once-in-a-lifetime test unless conditions change
- Lower LDL/ApoB more aggressively with the clinician
- Screen parents, siblings and children
- Consider coronary calcium scoring for risk refinement
Follow-up tests at TestWell: Calcium ($26.99).
Can I lower lipoprotein(a)?
Not meaningfully with lifestyle or statins. PCSK9 inhibitors lower it 20–30%; dedicated Lp(a)-lowering drugs are in late-stage trials. Meanwhile the strategy is to drive every other risk factor down.
Should my family be tested?
Yes — it's inherited, so first-degree relatives have a substantial chance of also being high.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a Lipoprotein(a) test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Lipoprotein(a) is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Lipid Panel | This marker only | $90.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Lipoprotein(a): which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $90.99 |
| Labcorp | No | — |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Heart Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Lipoprotein(a).
Frequently asked
What does a high Lipoprotein(a) mean?
Lipoprotein(a) is inherited and mostly fixed for life; about 1 in 5 people has a high level. Above about 125 nmol/L (or 50 mg/dL) is considered high and independently raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and aortic valve stenosis. It doesn't respond to diet or statins, so a high result changes how aggressively LDL, blood pressure and other risks are treated — and prompts testing first-degree relatives.
Can I lower lipoprotein(a)?
Not meaningfully with lifestyle or statins. PCSK9 inhibitors lower it 20–30%; dedicated Lp(a)-lowering drugs are in late-stage trials. Meanwhile the strategy is to drive every other risk factor down.
Should my family be tested?
Yes — it's inherited, so first-degree relatives have a substantial chance of also being high.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my lipoprotein(a)?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Lipoprotein(a) results?
Most Lipoprotein(a) results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Lipoprotein(a) test cost?
Our Advanced Lipid Panel starts at $90.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Lipoprotein(a) test?
Yes — for the most accurate result, fast for 8–12 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine; coffee, food, and supplements are not. Your prep instructions will be included with your order.
Which lab will process my Lipoprotein(a) test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your lipoprotein(a)?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $90.99.