Standardising against an apo (a) size independent method
The major problem of Lp (a) values is related to the inaccuracy of the methods that are affected by apo (a) size heterogeneity, which significantly affects the assessment of individual risk status for coronary artery disease. 11 Levels of Lp (a) can vary up to 1,000-fold among individuals and ethnic groups as the level is predominantly determined by the apo (a) gene. In order to obtain the right values and foremost provide apo (a) size independent results, measuring the concentration of particles (nmol/L), rather than total weight (mg/dL), is recommended by the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS).10