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As of January 2026, no country currently includes the Lp(a) test as a routine part of a standard annual lipid panel; however, several regions have officially integrated a once-in-a-lifetime Lp(a) measurement into their clinical guidelines for all adults.
The following regions have the most expansive recommendations, suggesting the test be performed at least once for all individuals:
Europe: The 2022 European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) consensus statement recommends that Lp(a) levels should be measured at least once in all adults. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) also supports measuring it once over a lifespan to identify patients with very high levels.
Canada: The 2021 Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) dyslipidaemia guidelines recommend measuring Lp(a) once in a person's lifetime as part of the initial lipid screening process.
United Kingdom: In addition to following European guidelines, the HEART UK consensus statement advocates for one-time measurement for the general population.
In other countries, the test is typically ordered only for specific high-risk groups rather than being a standard universal check:
United States: Guidelines in the US are generally more conservative. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) suggest testing for individuals with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease, those with very high LDL cholesterol, or as a "risk-enhancing factor" for patients at intermediate risk.
Australia: Testing is currently not standard or routine in general practice. While General Practitioners can order the test, it is not currently funded under Medicare, meaning the patient often incurs a cost. Researchers in Australia are currently advocating for it to become standard practice.
While guidelines in Europe and Canada have moved toward universal one-time testing, the sources note that global testing rates remain very low, estimated at only 1–2%.
One reason for this is that Lp(a) is a "hidden" risk factor not included in routine cholesterol checks; a healthcare provider must order it as a separate, specific blood test.
Because Lp(a) levels are genetically determined and remain stable throughout a person's life, most guidelines emphasise that it only needs to be measured once to establish a person's baseline risk.
Lipoprotein(a) measurement – how, why and in whom? British Journal of Cardiology
Finding very high lipoprotein(a): the need for routine assessment European Journal of Preventive Cardiology | Oxford Academic
Have You Been Tested for Lp(a) Levels? What’s Your Number? The People's Pharmacy