Lipoprotein Fractionation, NMR Test
The Lipoprotein Fractionation, NMR test analyzes lipoprotein particles in a blood sample using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. It produces a fractionated lipid profile that clinicians use in assessing cardiovascular disease risk.
About this test
This test looks beyond a standard cholesterol panel at the individual lipoprotein particles that carry cholesterol through the blood. Quest describes it as helping assess cardiovascular disease risk in people with intermediate or high risk based on traditional or emerging risk factors, and as a way to evaluate response to lipid-lowering therapy.
The sample is analyzed with nuclear magnetic resonance technology, which reports on the number and size of different lipoprotein particles rather than a single cholesterol number. Clinicians read this fuller particle picture alongside a person's other risk factors and treatment history.
Test details
| Quest code | 37847 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Nuclear Magnetic Resonance |
| Sample type | 2 mL serum |
| Patient preparation | Fast for 12 hours before your blood draw. |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The panel reports several lipoprotein particle measures, including HDL and LDL particle counts and sizes, large HDL and VLDL particle counts, small LDL particle count and VLDL size. Together these describe the lipoprotein particle profile in the sample, using NMR technology rather than the standard cholesterol methods.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Lipoprotein Fractionation, NMR test measure?
It analyzes several lipoprotein particle measures in a serum sample, including HDL and LDL particle counts and sizes, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a serum sample from a routine blood draw.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Yes. Quest lists a preparation instruction for this test, which appears with the test details; people follow the instructions their ordering clinician provides.
How is this different from a standard cholesterol panel?
A standard cholesterol panel reports total cholesterol and its major fractions. This test uses NMR technology to report on the number and size of individual lipoprotein particles, which Quest describes as useful in assessing cardiovascular disease risk and monitoring lipid-lowering therapy.
How much does the Lipoprotein Fractionation, NMR test cost?
The cash price at Celio Health is $115. That covers the physician's order and sample collection at a Quest patient service center — no insurance is needed and there's no separate doctor's visit to pay for.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Fast for 12 hours before your blood draw. This is the preparation Quest publishes for this test; if your clinician gives you different instructions, follow theirs.