Due to its unique properties, Lp(a) can vary in size and has no single, defined molecular weight. For this reason, there is a consensus in the scientific community that Lp(a) levels should be measured in terms of the number of particles per liter of blood (nmol/L), rather than mass units (mg/dL), and that any conversion between mass and molar units, is generally imprecise and unreliable. By using molar units, laboratory professionals and clinicians know the Lp(a) measurements reflect the number of particles rather than any difference in the size of the particles.
“We are proud to support the National Lipid Association’s recommendation for Lp(a) testing, emphasizing accurate cardiovascular risk assessment with the first FDA-cleared test measuring in nmol/L units in the U.S.,” said Brad Moore, president and CEO of Roche Diagnostics North America. “Roche has an unrivaled ability to provide access to testing at scale and is committed to advancing innovation in preventive cardiology. This clearance comes in advance of disease-modifying therapies on the horizon expected to help clinicians use this biomarker to guide patients to improved cardiovascular health.”
Lp(a) is emerging as an important, yet under-recognized, potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease due to its ability to promote the development of plaques within artery walls, clot formation and aortic valve calcification. More than 90% of the Lp(a) level is influenced by variations in the genes controlling the Lp(a) particle production,2 in which lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise have no significant impact. The measurement of Lp(a) is useful in evaluating lipid metabolism disorders and assessing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk when used in conjunction with clinical evaluation and other lipoprotein tests.3,4