Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) Blood Test

It measures the concentration of lipoprotein(a), an inherited LDL-like particle associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic valve disease.

Usually not. A standard lipid panel reports cholesterol and triglyceride measures, while Lp(a) is a separate measurement.

Lp(a) can add cardiovascular risk independently of LDL cholesterol, so a standard lipid result can look reassuring while Lp(a) remains high.

For most adults, one measurement is enough to identify a high inherited level. Repeat testing may be useful in selected clinical situations or when the method, unit, or health context changes.

Lifestyle has limited effect on the Lp(a) concentration itself because the level is largely genetic. Healthy habits still matter because they reduce other parts of overall cardiovascular risk.

Knowing that Lp(a) is high can change how a clinician assesses overall cardiovascular risk, manages modifiable factors such as LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, and considers testing close relatives.

nmol/L represents particle concentration, while mg/dL represents mass concentration. The relationship varies with apolipoprotein(a) particle size, so a fixed conversion is not reliable.

It depends on the laboratory performing the selected order. Some providers report particle concentration in nmol/L, while others report mass concentration in mg/dL. The result will show its source unit, and results in different units should not be converted with a fixed factor.

No. It means risk is higher, not that a specific outcome is certain. The result should be combined with the rest of the cardiovascular picture.

It means Lp(a)-related risk is lower. Other inherited and acquired cardiovascular risks can still be present.

First-degree relatives may benefit from testing when someone has high Lp(a), familial hypercholesterolemia, or premature cardiovascular disease. The 2026 guideline recommends cascade testing in these contexts.

Lp(a) itself does not require fasting under the 2026 guideline, but the laboratory or other tests in the same order may have preparation instructions. Follow the selected order.

Every test shows the member price next to the standard non-member price, so you can see what membership saves you. The member price is our cost, covering the lab and what it takes to run the service. It is never a profit on the test itself. Mito makes its money on the membership, not on marking up your tests. Membership is $9 per month or $99 per year, and any applicable lab order or draw fee is itemized before you pay.

Choose an available partner lab at checkout. If your cart contains multiple blood tests, Mito helps consolidate the eligible tests at one lab when possible. At-home kits and scans follow the collection or appointment process shown on their product page.

Yes. Mito's lab tests are HSA/FSA eligible, so you can pay with pre-tax dollars.

Add the test to your cart and select "Pay with HSA/FSA" at checkout. You'll finish on the secure checkout page of Flex, our HSA/FSA payments partner, and Flex emails you an itemized receipt from notifications@withflex.com for your records.

Most Mito tests are auto-substantiated, so you usually won't need a Letter of Medical Necessity. If your HSA/FSA administrator asks for more, contact us and we'll help.

Your results appear in your Mito dashboard after the laboratory completes processing. A clinician then reviews them before your analysis and personalized action plan are finalized. Timing varies by test, and specialty assays and at-home kits may take longer.

No. Mito provides the laboratory order when one is required, so you do not need to arrange a separate physician visit before purchasing.

Available in 48 states and Washington, DC.