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Lp(a) test, explained.

An Lp(a) test measures lipoprotein(a), a cholesterol carrying particle whose level is mostly set by your genes. A high level is linked to a higher chance of heart attack, stroke and narrowing of the aortic valve. The National Lipid Association treats 125 nmol/L (about 50 mg/dL) or higher as high risk, and US guidelines suggest testing once in adulthood.

What it measures
Lipoprotein(a), a mostly inherited particle
Fasting
Not needed
Who should test
Every adult, usually once
In Lab Pass
Yes, every plan, $199 a year

Lp(a) ranges

ResultLp(a)
Low riskBelow 75 nmol/L (below 30 mg/dL)
Gray zone75 to below 125 nmol/L (30 to below 50 mg/dL)
High risk125 nmol/L or higher (50 mg/dL or higher)

Source: National Lipid Association, 2024 focused update. Risk rises steadily with the level, with no single cutoff, and European guidelines use above 50 mg/dL (above 105 nmol/L). The two units do not convert exactly, so read your result in the unit your lab used.

Who should test

The National Lipid Association (2024) and the 2026 ACC/AHA cholesterol guideline advise measuring Lp(a) at least once in every adult. Because the level is mostly inherited and stays fairly steady, one test is usually enough. Close relatives of someone with high Lp(a) may want to test too.

What can throw it off

An illness or other inflammation can raise Lp(a) for a while. Menopause, pregnancy, an underactive thyroid and kidney disease can raise it, and liver disease can lower it. Results also differ between lab methods, especially older ones that report in mg/dL.

How Sipra reads it

Your Lab Pass reads Lp(a) beside your lipid panel, so an inherited risk that a standard cholesterol test does not measure is not left out.

Questions, answered

Lp(a) is a separate, mostly inherited risk factor that a standard cholesterol panel does not measure. US and European heart guidelines now suggest checking it once in adulthood. A clinician can explain what your result means beside your other risk factors.

Usually not. Lp(a) is set mostly by your genes and stays fairly steady through life, so one test is generally enough. A clinician may recheck it in special situations.

No medicine is approved by the FDA to lower Lp(a) today. Several are being studied, and in 2026 the first large trial did not show fewer heart attacks or strokes. A clinician can focus on lowering your overall heart risk, such as LDL cholesterol and blood pressure.

Lp(a) is inherited, so guidelines suggest testing close relatives of people with high levels. A clinician can help decide who should be tested.

Lp(a) is part of every Lab Pass, which costs $199 a year in most states and reads 130+ biomarkers from one blood draw. The plan renews each year at the then current price until you cancel, and we email you before it does. Insurance is not billed, and Sipra lab panels are generally HSA and FSA eligible, so check with your plan administrator.

Other tests in Lab Pass

General information, not medical advice. A licensed physician signs your lab order; talk with your own clinician about what a result means for you.