Procedure

Advanced Lipid Panel

Precision cholesterol and lipoprotein profiling

An advanced lipid panel measures detailed lipoprotein particle subfractions, particle counts, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and lipoprotein(a) — markers that often reveal atherosclerotic risk that a standard cholesterol panel misses entirely. Where a routine panel reports total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, an advanced panel quantifies how many cholesterol-carrying particles are circulating and what size they are. For many patients with normal-looking standard labs, advanced testing uncovers hidden risk that meaningfully changes the prevention plan.

What's Included

LDL particle number (LDL-P) and small-dense LDL quantification
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) — direct count of atherogenic particles
Lipoprotein(a) — a one-time genetic risk marker
HDL particle subfractions and functional markers
Triglyceride-rich lipoprotein and remnant cholesterol
High-sensitivity CRP and other inflammatory markers when indicated
Same-visit results review with Dr. Kedan and a written prevention plan

How It's Performed

The advanced lipid panel is a simple venous blood draw performed in the Beverly Hills office or at a partner laboratory near you. The draw itself takes a few minutes, and samples are sent to a specialty lab (typically Boston Heart, Cleveland HeartLab, or Quest's Cardio IQ) for analysis. Results return in three to seven business days, and Dr. Kedan reviews them with you in detail at a follow-up visit.

How to Prepare

Fast for 9 to 12 hours before the draw — water and routine medications are fine.
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand, as it skews triglycerides.
Continue all prescribed medications unless Dr. Kedan tells you otherwise.
If you are acutely ill or recently had surgery, wait 6 weeks for stable results.
Schedule the draw in the morning so fasting is easier to maintain.

What to Expect After

You may resume normal eating, drinking, and activity immediately after the draw. When the lab returns the report, Dr. Kedan walks you through every marker in plain language and builds a tailored plan that may include lifestyle changes, targeted nutrition, supplements, or pharmacotherapy. Repeat testing is typically scheduled three to six months after any intervention to confirm response.

Indications

Family history of early coronary artery disease or sudden cardiac death
Personal history of coronary artery disease, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease
Borderline or discordant results on a standard lipid panel
Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes
Elevated coronary calcium score
Statin intolerance or partial response to standard cholesterol therapy
Comprehensive preventive cardiology evaluation in healthy adults

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How is an advanced lipid panel different from a standard cholesterol test?

A standard lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides — useful, but only a partial picture. An advanced panel counts the actual number of atherogenic particles (ApoB and LDL-P), profiles particle size (small-dense LDL is more dangerous than large buoyant LDL), and measures lipoprotein(a), a powerful genetic risk marker not reported on routine panels. Two patients with identical LDL numbers can have very different actual risk.

What does the panel actually measure?

Depending on the specific assay, the report includes LDL particle number, small-dense LDL, apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein(a), HDL subfractions, triglyceride-rich remnant lipoproteins, and inflammatory markers like hs-CRP. Together these markers tell us not just how much cholesterol is in your blood, but how it's packaged and how aggressively it interacts with the artery wall.

Do I need to fast for the test?

Yes. A 9- to 12-hour fast is required for accurate triglyceride and lipoprotein measurement. Water and routine medications are fine during the fast. Morning draws are most convenient.

Is the blood draw painful?

No more than a routine blood draw. Most patients describe it as a brief pinch. The draw takes only a few minutes, and the volume collected is small.

How long does the test take and when do results come back?

The draw itself takes about five minutes. Samples are sent to a specialty lab, and results return in three to seven business days. Dr. Kedan reviews them with you at a dedicated follow-up visit.

Are there any risks?

Phlebotomy is one of the safest medical procedures performed. Rare risks include mild bruising or transient lightheadedness at the draw site.

What do the results look like?

You receive a multi-page report with each marker, its reference range, and your personal value. Dr. Kedan translates the numbers into actionable next steps — for example, an elevated lipoprotein(a) might prompt earlier coronary calcium scoring; a high ApoB despite a 'normal' LDL might justify intensifying lipid-lowering therapy.

Who interprets the results?

Dr. Kedan personally reviews every panel and discusses it with you in detail. He integrates the lipid data with your overall risk profile, family history, imaging results, and goals to build a single coherent prevention plan.

How often should the panel be repeated?

After starting or changing therapy, repeat in 8 to 12 weeks to confirm response. Lipoprotein(a), which is genetically determined, only needs to be measured once. For routine monitoring once stable, annual testing is typical.

How do I schedule one?

Call Cardiolucent at (310) 304-5555. Cardiolucent is concierge cardiology and does not accept Medicare or insurance for office services; we bill patients directly and provide a detailed superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.

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