Lp(a): units, conversion and tracking
Updated
Short answer
Lp(a) is reported in nmol/L and mg/dL. There is no reliable factor between these units, so BiomarkerHQ does not convert between them.
What is Lp(a)?
Lipoprotein(a) is an LDL-like particle whose level is largely set by genetics; labs print it in nmol/L or mg/dL.
BiomarkerHQ groups Lp(a) under Lipids. On lab reports it can also appear as lipoprotein(a) and lpa.
Lp(a) units and conversion
BiomarkerHQ stores each Lp(a) result in the unit printed on the report, and charts and compares results in nmol/L.
Labs also print Lp(a) in mg/dL. There is no reliable conversion between that unit and nmol/L, so it is not converted. Keep the unit printed on the report.
Before comparing Lp(a) results
Tracking Lp(a) over time
In BiomarkerHQ, each Lp(a) result is saved with its collection date, its unit and the reference range printed on that report. The timeline charts the results across your draws against the range from each of your own reports, and any two draws can be compared side by side.
- Keep the unit printed on each report. Convert only to compare.
- Keep each report's own range with its result. See why ranges differ between labs.
- Compare the same lab and conditions where you can. See how to compare two blood tests.
Frequently asked questions
Which units do labs report Lp(a) in?
Lp(a) is reported in nmol/L and mg/dL. BiomarkerHQ stores each result in the unit printed on the report and uses nmol/L for charts and comparisons.
Can Lp(a) be converted from mg/dL?
No. There is no reliable factor between these units, so BiomarkerHQ does not convert between them. Keep the unit printed on each report, and compare results from the same lab and method.
What should I check before comparing Lp(a) results?
Lp(a) in mg/dL and nmol/L cannot be converted reliably because particle size differs between people.
Does BiomarkerHQ interpret my Lp(a) result?
No. It compares a result only with the reference range printed on your own lab report, as below, within or above, and does not say what the result means. Talk to a qualified clinician about your results.
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