The assay is based on an immunoturbidimetric method and is suitable for use on most chemistry analyzers. The assay is not affected by Apo(a) size-related bias like other commercially available methods.

The assay is easy and convenient to use, no sample preparation is required, and all reagents are liquid ready-to-use. Once opened the reagent is stable for 30 days onboard the analyzer minimizing waste and helping to keep costs low. Lp(a) can be used on a wide range of chemistry analyzers with fully automated applications available.

A product of Randox (Crumlin, United Kingdom), the Lipoprotein(a) assay correlates well with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reference method. It has an assay range of 2.1-90 mg/dL and suffers limited interference from Intralipid, Bilirubin, Hemoglobin, Ascorbic Acid, Triglycerides, Plasminogen, and Apolipoprotein B.

Lp(a) is structurally similar to LDL Cholesterol and consists of a cholesterol rich core and a molecule of Apo B attached by disulphide bridge to an Apo(a) molecule. The measurement of Lp(a) is heavily influenced by the size of Apo(a) and varies widely due to the Kringle 4 Type 2 domain which can be present in up to 40 copies. The size heterogeneity of Apo(a) affects the outcome of many commercially available Lp(a) assays ultimately resulting in the misclassification of both high and low risk patients.

Although not currently a routinely requested test the European Athersclerosis Society (EAS), the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), and the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB) recognize the usefulness of Lp(a) and recommend testing patients with a family history of premature CVD or those classified as moderate to high risk.

Related Links:
Randox