Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood serum or plasma
- Fasting: 12–14 hours required
- Turn-around: 4–6 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Advanced cardiovascular risk assessment using precise NMR spectroscopy technology
- Direct measurement of LDL particle number - a stronger predictor than standard cholesterol
- Comprehensive inflammation and metabolic markers including homocysteine and CRP
- Early detection capabilities that standard lipid panels often miss
- Personalized treatment insights for optimized heart disease prevention strategies
- Convenient direct-to-consumer testing with no prescription required
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with family history of heart disease seeking proactive screening
- People with diabetes or metabolic syndrome requiring detailed cardiovascular monitoring
- Those on statin therapy wanting to track treatment effectiveness
- Adults over 40 with multiple risk factors like high blood pressure or obesity
- Health-conscious individuals wanting advanced preventive care beyond basic panels
- Anyone with unexplained cardiovascular symptoms needing comprehensive evaluation
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit any convenient lab location for blood draw
- Fast 12-14 hours before your appointment and avoid biotin supplements 72 hours prior
- Receive detailed results in 4-6 days with graphical reports and historical tracking
FAQ
What makes this test different from a standard lipid panel? This test directly measures LDL particle number and size using NMR spectroscopy, providing more accurate cardiovascular risk assessment than cholesterol levels alone.
Do I need a doctor's referral to order this test? No prescription is needed to order, though we recommend reviewing results with your healthcare provider for proper interpretation and follow-up care.
Can this test detect heart problems before symptoms appear? Yes, by measuring LDL particle number and inflammatory markers, it can identify cardiovascular risk that may not show up on standard tests.
How accurate is the NMR technology used? The test has high precision with low limits of quantification, enabling sensitive risk detection at LDL-P concentrations as low as 300 nmol/L (FDA 510k Summary 2011).
What should I do if my results show elevated risk markers? Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss lifestyle modifications, potential medications, and appropriate follow-up testing intervals.
Is fasting absolutely necessary for accurate results? Yes, a 12-14 hour fast is required for accurate lipid and glucose measurements, with only water permitted during the fasting period.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The NMR LipoProfile #3 Extreme Blood Test Panel provides comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment through advanced nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This technology directly measures lipoprotein particle numbers and sizes, particularly LDL particle number (LDL-P), which research shows is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular events than traditional LDL cholesterol measurements (PMC 2022).
The panel includes critical biomarkers such as homocysteine (linked to vitamin metabolism and heart risk), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (indicating cardiac inflammation), comprehensive metabolic markers, and hemoglobin A1c for glycemic control assessment. This combination offers a detailed picture of cardiovascular health, inflammation status, and metabolic function that standard lipid panels cannot provide.
Who would benefit from this test?
This advanced panel is particularly valuable for individuals at elevated cardiovascular risk, including those with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or family history of heart disease (Mayo Clinic 2024). People currently on lipid-lowering therapy benefit from monitoring treatment effectiveness through LDL particle number tracking.
Health-conscious consumers seeking proactive cardiovascular screening will find this test invaluable for early detection and prevention strategies. The test is also beneficial for individuals with unexplained cardiovascular symptoms or those wanting more precise risk stratification than traditional lipid panels provide.
When should I order the NMR LipoProfile #3 Extreme Blood Test Panel?
Order this test when seeking more precise cardiovascular risk assessment beyond standard lipid panels, especially if you have multiple risk factors or family history of heart disease (American Heart Association 2023). It's ideal for monitoring treatment efficacy in managing lipid disorders or when standard cholesterol tests don't fully explain your cardiovascular risk profile.
Consider this panel if you're implementing preventive health strategies, starting or adjusting lipid-lowering medications, or have metabolic conditions like diabetes that increase cardiovascular risk. The test is also valuable for annual health screenings in adults over 40 or those with emerging risk factors.
How do I interpret the results?
Results include detailed analysis of LDL particle number, particle sizes, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and additional cardiovascular markers. Higher LDL particle numbers and smaller LDL particle sizes indicate increased atherosclerosis risk, even when cholesterol levels appear normal (LabCorp 2023).
LDL-P
- < 1000 nmol/L
- Optimal/Low risk
- Maintain current lifestyle
LDL-P
- 1000-1299 nmol/L
- Above optimal
- Lifestyle modifications
LDL-P
- 1300-1599 nmol/L
- Borderline high
- Consider therapy and lifestyle changes
LDL-P
- ≥ 1600 nmol/L
- High risk
- Treatment recommended
LDL particle number is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular events than LDL cholesterol levels alone, making this measurement crucial for accurate risk assessment.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for 12-14 hours before blood draw, consuming only water during this period. Avoid biotin supplements for 72 hours prior to testing, as they can interfere with certain assays (LabCorp Guidelines). Maintain your stable diet for 2-3 weeks before testing for most accurate baseline measurements.
Continue taking prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Schedule your appointment at a convenient time when you can comfortably fast overnight and arrive well-hydrated with water only.
How often should I get tested?
- Healthy adults, low risk → Every 2-3 years
- Moderate cardiovascular risk → Annually
- High risk or on therapy → Every 3-6 months
- Diabetes or metabolic syndrome → Every 6-12 months
- Monitoring treatment changes → 6-8 weeks after adjustment
Why early detection matters
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting over 18 million adults annually (CDC 2024). Early identification of lipoprotein abnormalities enables proactive intervention strategies that can significantly reduce heart disease events and associated healthcare costs.
The NMR technology's ability to detect cardiovascular risk not visible on standard lipid panels allows for personalized treatment approaches. This precision helps optimize prevention strategies, potentially preventing heart attacks and strokes through timely lifestyle modifications and appropriate medical interventions when necessary.
Related tests you may consider
Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel - Complements NMR testing with additional lipoprotein markers and apolipoproteins for comprehensive cardiovascular risk profiling (LabCorp).
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Test - Measures systemic inflammation as a standalone marker for atherosclerosis risk assessment when ordered separately.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - Assesses overall metabolic health including glucose and kidney function
