The NMR LipoProfile Test offers a detailed analysis of your lipid particles, providing a more thorough assessment of your cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Unlike a standard cholesterol test, this advanced test uses nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology to measure the actual number and size of lipoprotein particles in your blood.
Combined with a standard lipid panel and an insulin resistance score, this comprehensive test offers insights into your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Results from the NMR LipoProfile test can be used to inform lifestyle changes and treatment plans for better heart health.
Note: This test is not intended to diagnose CVD, type 2 diabetes, or other conditions.
Preparation: Fast for 8 hours (no food or drink, except water) before sample collection.
This test measures the number of low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL-P) circulating in the body, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. LDL cholesterol is known as the “bad” cholesterol because LDL particles can build up in the walls of your arteries, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, this NMR blood test includes a standard lipid panel (total cholesterol, calculated LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides) and an insulin resistance score to provide a more detailed analysis of cardiovascular risk, diabetes and insulin resistance.
Standard lipid panels don't tell the whole story. The NMR test measures LDL particle number and size, providing a more accurate assessment of your heart disease risk. This can help identify "hidden" risks even when traditional cholesterol levels appear normal.
This NMR profile includes markers for insulin resistance and diabetes risk, a key driver of cardiometabolic disease. This test can help identify people who are at higher risk for diabetes, even before blood sugar levels become abnormal.
Lifestyle changes such as healthy dietary choices, exercise or weight loss programs can help reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and other related conditions. Testing and monitoring your heart health can help you and your healthcare provider evaluate and manage the risks associated with heart disease, diabetes and related conditions.
1. Cromwell WC, Otvos JD, Keyes MJ, et al. LDL Particle Number and Risk of Future Cardiovascular Disease in the Framingham Offspring Study - Implications for LDL Management. J Clin Lipidol. 2007;1(6):583-592. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2007.10.001
2. American Heart Association. About Metabolic Syndrome. www.heart.org. 2016. Accessed May 15, 2023. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/metabolic-syndrome/about-metabolic-syndrome
<p>1. Cromwell WC, Otvos JD, Keyes MJ, et al. LDL Particle Number and Risk of Future Cardiovascular Disease in the Framingham Offspring Study - Implications for LDL Management. <i>J Clin Lipidol</i>. 2007;1(6):583-592. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2007.10.001</p> <p>2. American Heart Association. About Metabolic Syndrome. www.heart.org. 2016. Accessed May 15, 2023. <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/metabolic-syndrome/about-metabolic-syndrome" target="_blank" title="about-metabolic-syndrome"><b>https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/metabolic-syndrome/about-metabolic-syndrome</b></a></p>
Simply purchase this test online. A healthcare provider will review and approve your test requests; no healthcare provider visit is required.
Visit a Labcorp location near you for sample collection. Visits may be scheduled online.
View your easy-to-read results online in your Labcorp Patient™ account, including Linked Accounts. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail.
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The NMR LipoProfile test measures the number and size of lipoprotein particles, as well as an insulin resistance score. These tests provide more detailed information about cardiovascular risk and cardiometabolic disease than a standard lipid panel, which measures routine lipid and cholesterol levels.
An NMR LipoProfile test combines advanced testing for NMR LDL particles, insulin resistance testing and a standard lipid panel.
NMR LDL particle testing is a blood test that helps provide a better picture of heart health, especially for people at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, such as those with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or people already taking cholesterol-lowering medications. This test measures the number of LDL particles, sometimes called "bad cholesterol particles" in the blood.
While standard cholesterol tests show how much cholesterol is carried by LDL, the NMR LDL particle test counts the actual number of these particles. Research shows that having more LDL particles can increase the risk of heart disease, even if the overall cholesterol level looks normal. This is important because some people may have a normal cholesterol level but still have a high number of LDL particles, which puts them at higher risk for heart problems.1
Insulin resistance can drive cardiovascular disease, progression to Type 2 diabetes, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and progression to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).2 Insulin resistance testing in this NMR LipoProfile Test can provide valuable insights to enable lifestyle changes and discussions with a healthcare provider.
Results from this test can provide valuable insights into cardiovascular risk, diabetes and insulin resistance.
NMR LDL particle testing helps provide a better picture of heart health, especially for people at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, such as those with diabetes, metabolic syndrome or people already taking cholesterol-lowering medications. Generally, a lower LDL particle number (LDL-P) and larger LDL particle size are associated with lower cardiovascular risk.
When someone is insulin resistant, their body does not use insulin as well as it should. This can lead to higher blood sugar and a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The NMR insulin resistance score, also called the LPIR score, looks at the size and number of different types of lipoproteins in the blood. Certain patterns are linked to higher insulin resistance.
A higher LPIR score means more insulin resistance, while a lower score means the body is more sensitive to insulin. This test can help identify people who are at higher risk for diabetes, even before blood sugar levels become abnormal.
This test can help guide discussions with your healthcare provider about further monitoring, treatment or lifestyle changes you may consider.
Note: If triglyceride level is >800 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol will not be calculated.
The frequency of testing depends on your individual health status and risk factors. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate testing schedule for you.
Your testing will be performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. Labcorp provides leading-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and specialty testing laboratories. Our labs perform regular quality assurance testing to ensure our results are accurate.
Your results will be provided to you through our secure online portal to view or print. Results are also made available through a secure portal to the independent healthcare provider who placed your test order. If you are accessing your results through your Labcorp Patient™ account, all users linked to the account will have access to all OnDemand test results. Results may also be provided to a local, state, and/or federal health authority; for example, many states require the testing laboratory and physician to report test results for certain communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, to local or state health departments.
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Visit the Labcorp OnDemand® website to browse and purchase laboratory tests and create your Labcorp Patient™ account to view your results. All Labcorp OnDemand testing requires an order from an authorized healthcare professional. For your convenience, Labcorp OnDemand has contracted with independent professional entities (collectively, Providers) to deliver healthcare provider services. Visit a Labcorp location for sample collection; or, if using an at-home collection kit, collect your sample yourself. We’ll let you know when your results are ready and can be accessed through your Labcorp Patient™ account.
