Sun Diagnostics - The Lp(a)-P ELISA

Lipoprotein (a) is an LDL-like particle with a unique glycoprotein, apo(a), covalently attached to apo B. Like LDL, Lp(a) is atherogenic and elevated Lp(a) concentrations are associated with increased risk for CHD and cerebrovascular disease (e.g. stroke).1 Since Lp (a) levels are highly heritable, Lp(a) may be an especially important marker for premature CHD.1 Because measured Lp (a) mass can vary substantially due to apo(a) size heterogeneity, expressing results as mg/dL is misleading, Lp(a) mass will vary because of differences in the sizes of apo(a) used to calibrate the assays2 and due to the fact that mass is the sum of protein, lipid, and carbohydrate components.3 A more accurate approach is taken by Sun Diagnostics by using the apo B moiety for detection, which reflects the number of Lp(a) particles. Because there is one molecule of apo B per particle, and because apo B is not subject to size isoform bias like apo (a), the Sun Diagnostics ELISA measures the number of Lp(a) particles in the circulation. Lp(a) particle number is better reflected by expressing concentrations in terms of nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). The SunDxLp(a)-P ELISA measure Lipoprotein(a) particle number.