Lipoprotein(a) is drawn in a Serum separator tube (SST) at Quest, a Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube at LabCorp, and a SST Tube at BioReference.
Lab comparison
Lipoprotein(a): Quest vs LabCorp vs BioReference, tube, code & requirements
. This page shows collection requirements for all three major reference labs in one view, so you don’t have to cross-check three portals.
Always verify against your lab’s current collection manual before drawing.
Every value on this page is verified by a nurse practitioner in active clinical practice, not scraped from an automated source.
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| Requirement | Quest Diagnostics | LabCorp | BioReference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test code | 34604 | 120188 | 1639-4 |
| Primary tube | Serum separator tube (SST) | Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube | SST Tube |
| Specimen type | 1 mL serum | Serum (preferred) or plasma | 1 mL SST Tube |
| Patient prep | Intake of alcohol, aspirin, niacin and estrogen supplements have the potential of causing a misrepresentation of true Lp(a) concentrations. | Intake of alcohol, aspirin, niacin and estrogen supplements have the potential of causing a misrepresentation of true Lp(a) concentrations. | Intake of alcohol, aspirin, niacin and estrogen supplements have the potential of causing a misrepresentation of true Lp(a) concentrations. |
| Minimum volume | Minimum Volume 0.5 mL | Minimum Volume 0.5 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.) | Qty 1 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Quest Diagnostics order code for Lipoprotein(a)?
The Quest Diagnostics order code for Lipoprotein(a) is 34604.
What tube color does LabCorp use for Lipoprotein(a)?
LabCorp uses a Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube for Lipoprotein(a).
Does Lipoprotein(a) require fasting?
Lipoprotein(a) patient prep: Intake of alcohol, aspirin, niacin and estrogen supplements have the potential of causing a misrepresentation of true Lp(a) concentrations.. Always confirm with the ordering lab before the draw.
Data provenance
Source: Quest Diagnostics specimen collection manual, LabCorp directory of services, and BioReference laboratory collection guide.
Verified by: a licensed nurse practitioner in active clinical practice. Values are reviewed against each lab’s published collection requirements. Always confirm against your lab’s current manual before drawing.
Quest verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 17, 2026
LabCorp verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 16, 2026
BioReference verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 17, 2026
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