Cardio IQ ® Particle Size Testing - More Information

The Cardio IQ ® test panel, also known as a particle size test, lipoprotein fractionation test and LDL-P test, checks the standard lipid panel test, lipoprotein fractionation (including particle size and particle number), apolipoprotein B test, and lipoprotein (a) test levels in the blood.

The Cardio IQ ® test panel is similar to the VAP test and NMR LipoProfile in that it measures advanced lipid marker blood levels. Advanced lipid marker testing was initially made popular by the development of the VAP (vertical auto profile) test and the NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) LipoProfile test. Advancements from there have lead to this Cardio IQ ® test panel, a way to get a deeper understanding as to one's lipid and lipoprotein profile. The markers checked in the Cardio IQ ® test panel provide a more detailed picture of one's risk for future cardiovascular disease.

One unique feature of the Cardio IQ ® blood test panel is that it assesses lipoprotein fractionation ion mobility. Said another way, the Cardio IQ ® blood test provides an assessment of the LDL and HDL particle sizes and the LDL particle number. In traditional lipid panels, the LDL number is calculated using the measured cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, in certain people, there are a number of inaccuracies with doing so which makes direct LDL particle assessment (as is done in this Cardio IQ ® particle test panel) more accurate.

Direct measurement of LDL particle numbers and sizes are important because small, denser LDL particles are thought to confer a much higher risk of cardiovascular disease when compared to large, buoyant ones. The overall makeup of these particles, known as the LDL pattern type, is also helpful as pattern B results typically suggest a higher risk than pattern A as far as heart disease. The Cardio IQ ® test panel is often ordered by people who are taking cholesterol-lowering medications.

To get a Cardio IQ ® lab test panel near you at Quest Diagnostics, simply order online and get your blood drawn. Once your particle size test lab results are available, they can be downloaded electronically. As can be seen on the sample Cardio IQ ® test lab results above, actual results will be reported in the result column and can be compared against the reference range provided by the lab.