Unit Code 89005:
Lipoprotein (a) Cholesterol, Serum
Method Description
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
Serum sample is applied to agarose gel (Helena Laboratories,
Beaumont, TX). Electrophoresis is carried out for 40 minutes at
250 volts, facilitating separation of the lipoprotein bands. Following
electrophoresis, the lipoprotein bands are stained with enzymatic
reagent (Helena) containing cholesterol esterase, cholesterol
dehydrogenase, and diaphorase. The percent area of the
densitometric trace corresponding to Lp(a) is multiplied by the
total cholesterol value to obtain Lp(a) cholesterol value (mg/dL).
(Baudhuin LM, Hartman SJ, O'Brien JF, et al: Electrophoretic
measurement of lipoprotein(a) cholesterol in plasma with and
without ultracentrifugation: comparison with an immunoturbidimetric
liproprotein[a] method. Clin Biochem 2004 June;37[6]:481-488)
Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed
Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.
Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.
Analytic Time
Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.
2 days (not reported on Saturday or Sunday)
Maximum Laboratory Time
Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result
5 days
Specimen Retention Time
Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded
7 days


