Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Fast for 12 to 14 hours before collection, and maintain a stable diet for 2 to 3 weeks prior
- Turnaround: 5-9 days. May take longer due to weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test uses electrophoresis to separate your lipoproteins into patterns, which are then classified using the Frederickson classification system. As part of this process, it reports your total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides as directly measured values, along with LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol as calculated values.
This combination of measured and calculated results helps characterize the distribution and concentration of lipoproteins in your serum. The test does not diagnose a specific condition on its own, but the pattern and values it produces can support your healthcare provider's evaluation of your lipid profile.
Benefits
- Identifies your lipoprotein pattern through electrophoresis and classification
- Reports total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides
- Provides calculated LDL and VLDL cholesterol values
- Helps characterize abnormal lipoprotein distribution and concentration
- Supports your healthcare provider's evaluation of hyperlipidemia
- Uses a single blood sample for all reported results
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults being evaluated for hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
- Adults whose healthcare provider wants to assess lipoprotein distribution
- Adults with previous cholesterol results needing further characterization
- Adults being monitored for abnormal lipoprotein concentration
- Adults working with a healthcare provider on lipid-related evaluation
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is this test and what does it measure?
This test uses electrophoresis to separate your lipoproteins into patterns, which are then classified using the Frederickson classification system. From a single blood sample, it reports total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides as directly measured values, along with LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol as calculated values. This combination of measured and calculated results helps characterize the distribution and concentration of lipoproteins in your serum. The test does not diagnose a specific condition on its own, but the pattern and values it produces can support your healthcare provider's evaluation of hyperlipidemia.
2. Who should consider this test?
This test may be appropriate if you are being evaluated for hyperlipidemia, if your healthcare provider wants to assess your lipoprotein distribution and concentration, or if previous cholesterol results warrant further characterization. It may also be used as part of ongoing monitoring of previously identified lipoprotein concerns. Discuss with your healthcare provider whether this test fits your situation and when it should be ordered.
3. Do I need to prepare for this test?
Yes. Maintain a stable diet for 2 to 3 weeks prior to collection, and fast for 12 to 14 hours before your blood is drawn.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 5 to 9 days. This may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
5. How do I interpret the results?
Directly measured values (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides) and calculated values (LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol) should not be viewed as interchangeable. The meaning of your results also depends on your overall clinical picture, and your healthcare provider may consider your symptoms, medical history, medications, supplements, and other lab results when reviewing your lipoprotein pattern. Discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare provider.
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.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review your results with a qualified healthcare provider, who can help interpret them in the context of your health history, and do not start, stop, or change any medication based on these results alone. Your healthcare provider may consider additional evaluation or testing if appropriate.
7. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider, based on your individual situation and prior results.
Pre-test preparation
Maintain a stable diet, ideally for two to three weeks prior to collection of blood. Fast for 12 to 14 hours before collection of the specimen.
