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HelpTest Code LPALD Lipoprotein (a) and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Serum
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation:
1. Fasting: 8 hours, required
2. Patient must abstain from alcohol for 24 hours before collection.
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 4 mL serum
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
2. Send refrigerated.
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 60 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Reference Values
Lipoprotein (a) Cholesterol: Normal: <5 mg/dL
Lipoprotein-X: Undetectable
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C):
The National Lipid Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) have set the following guidelines for LDL-C in adults (ages 18 years and older):
Desirable: <100 mg/dL
Above desirable: 100-129 mg/dL
Borderline high: 130-159 mg/dL
High: 160-189 mg/dL
Very high: ≥190 mg/dL
The Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents has set the following guidelines for LDL-C in children and adolescents (ages 2-17 years):
Acceptable: <110 mg/dL
Borderline high: 110-129 mg/dL
High: ≥130 mg/dL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Thursday, Sunday
Report Available
3 to 4 daysSpecimen Retention Time
7 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
83700
83701