Testing
Only 81% of surveyed UK lipid clinics can measure Lp(a), and reporting units still vary widely, a national survey (J Clin Lipidol 2024)
Original title: Lipoprotein(a) testing in lipid clinics across the UK: Results of a national survey
A national survey of UK lipid clinics received responses from 53 of an estimated 200 clinics (27%). Of these, 81% had access to Lp(a) measurement, and 60% measured it only once per patient, most often prompted by a personal or family history of premature cardiovascular disease in those under 60. Among the 27 clinics reporting testing volumes, 52% ordered 0-250 Lp(a) tests annually. Sixty-three percent graded cardiovascular risk per the HEART UK consensus statement, and 60% performed family cascade testing when Lp(a) was 200 nmol/L or above. Lp(a) was reported in nmol/L, mg/dL, or mg/L by 48%, 24%, and 28% of clinics respectively, highlighting a lack of harmonisation. The findings call for a national effort to expand access and standardise Lp(a) reporting across UK lipid services.
Original abstract
Lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and its use is recommended in national and international guidelines for cardiovascular disease risk stratification. We undertook a survey to understand the availability and application of lipoprotein(a) measurement across UK lipid clinics. Fifty-three out of an estimated 200 lipid clinics (27%) provided responses. Eighty-one percent of 53 clinics had access to lipoprotein(a) measurement. Twenty-seven clinics disclosed the number of lipoprotein(a) tests ordered annually with approximately half of the clinics (52%) requesting 0-250 tests per year. Sixty percent measured lipoprotein(a) once per patient and the leading indication was a personal or family history of premature history of cardiovascular disease in those <60 years old. Sixty-three percent of clinics that provided comments with lipoprotein(a) results graded cardiovascular risk as per the HEART UK consensus statement. Sixty percent of clinics performed family cascade testing on lipoprotein(a) results ≥200 nmol/L. Lipoprotein(a) was reported in nmol/L, mg/dL, or mg/L by 48%, 24%, and 28% of responding clinics, respectively. National effort is required to provide universal access to lipoprotein(a) measurement and to harmonise the clinical application of this data.
cascade screeningguidelinestesting
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.