Lipoprotein(a) Test
Lp(a) is the genetic heart-risk marker a standard cholesterol test never checks. Largely fixed for life — most people only ever need to measure it once.
One-time payment of A$119. GST included. No subscription.
What this panel measures
- Lipoprotein(a): An LDL-like particle with an extra protein attached. Elevated levels promote plaque buildup and clotting independently of your regular cholesterol numbers — and around 1 in 5 people carry them without knowing.
Who this panel is for
Have you noticed any of these:
- family history of heart attack or stroke before age 60
- cholesterol that's "fine" but Lp(a) never checked
- high cholesterol that doesn't respond much to lifestyle changes
- a cardiovascular event at a relatively young age
- making long-term prevention decisions
- simply never tested it — like most Australians
How it works
- Order online, no GP referral needed.
- Visit any of 2,000+ accredited collection centres across Australia.
- Results delivered same day to your personal dashboard with clear explanations.
Sample and turnaround
Single blood draw, no fasting required. Because Lp(a) is largely genetically set, a single lifetime measurement is usually enough. Results back within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Why test something I can't change with lifestyle?
Because knowing changes how aggressively you and your doctor manage everything else — LDL, blood pressure, ApoB — and flags whether close family should consider testing.
Do I really only need to test it once?
For most people, yes. Lp(a) is largely genetically determined and stays roughly stable through adult life, which is why guidelines recommend at least one lifetime measurement.
Do I need to fast?
No. Lp(a) is not meaningfully affected by food.
Should I do this test or the Cardiovascular Risk Panel?
They answer different questions. The panel covers the modifiable markers worth tracking over time; Lp(a) is the one-off genetic piece. If you're buying the panel, you can add Lp(a) to the same blood draw for A$89 at checkout.
Keep reading
Guides
- Heart markers beyond cholesterol — A standard cholesterol test covers four numbers. Markers like ApoB, lipoprotein(a), homocysteine and hs-CRP give a fuller picture of cardiovascular risk — and most people have never had them measured.
- Private blood test cost — Private blood tests in Australia range from $35 for single biomarkers up to $500+ for comprehensive panels. What you're paying for, what drives the cost, and when private testing is worth it.
Biomarkers explained
- Lp(a) — Lp(a) is a largely genetic, independent cardiovascular risk factor that most people are never tested for — and a single reading usually tells you for life.
- ApoB — ApoB counts the actual number of artery-clogging particles in your blood — many researchers consider it a sharper cardiovascular risk marker than LDL cholesterol.
- Homocysteine — Homocysteine is an amino acid that, when elevated, is associated with cardiovascular and cognitive risk — and it's often linked to your B-vitamin status, which makes it a frequently modifiable marker.