--- title: Lipoprotein(a) Test type: biomarker url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/lipoprotein-a" also_known_as: - lp(a) - lipoprotein a - lipoprotein(a) - lpa category: Heart Health units: - nmol/L - mg/dL order_price_usd: 90.99 order_item: Advanced Lipid Panel order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/advanced-lipid-panel" reviewed_at: 2026-09-06 --- # Lipoprotein(a) > 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. Also known as: lp(a), lipoprotein a, lipoprotein(a), lpa. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Units | nmol/L / mg/dL | | Sample | Blood draw | | Fasting | 8–12 hours | | Results | 3–5 business days | | Price | $90.99 | | Labs | Quest | ## What does Lipoprotein(a) measure? A genetically-determined cholesterol particle that carries independent cardiovascular risk. ## What is the normal range for Lipoprotein(a)? | Population | Reference range | | --- | --- | | age 18+ | 0.000 – 75.0 nmol/L | Reference intervals differ slightly between labs; the range printed on your report is the one to interpret against. Ranges are usually set so 95% of healthy people fall inside them. ## 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 high Lipoprotein(a) 1. Genetics (the LPA gene) — the dominant determinant 2. Kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome) and hypothyroidism modestly raise it 3. Menopause modestly raises it ### Symptoms that go with high Lipoprotein(a) - 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](https://www.test-well.com/tests/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. ## How do you get tested for Lipoprotein(a)? | Order | Type | Price | Includes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Advanced Lipid Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/advanced-lipid-panel) | Single test | $90.99 | This marker | ## Quest vs Labcorp vs BioReference | Lab | Available | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $90.99 | Choose Quest at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | Labcorp | No | — | Not offered through Labcorp for this test. | | BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — | Not available in NY/NJ for this test. | ## Common questions about Lipoprotein(a) ### 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. ## Sources - [European Society of Cardiology](https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/39/3925/6670882) - [MedlinePlus (NIH) — Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/lipoprotein-a-blood-test/) ## Related biomarkers - [Apolipoprotein B](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/apolipoprotein-b) - [NT-proBNP](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/nt-probnp) - [Homocysteine](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/homocysteine) - [LDL Particle Number](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ldl-particle-number) - [Small LDL Particle](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/small-ldl-particle) - [LDL Particle Size](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ldl-particle-size) - [Reference range lookup tool](https://www.test-well.com/tools/reference-range-lookup) - [Lab unit converter](https://www.test-well.com/tools/lab-unit-converter) - [All biomarkers](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers) --- Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-06. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/lipoprotein-a Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.