Ordering the NMR Lipoprofile
The NMR Lipoprofile provides a detailed look at cholesterol particles, including their size and number, which can help identify risks that standard cholesterol tests may miss. Interestingly, this test can show if someone has a high number of small, dense LDL particles, which are more likely to cause plaque buildup in arteries, even if their total cholesterol appears normal.
Ordering this test offers several specific benefits:
- Measures LDL particle number and size for a more precise risk assessment.
- Detects hidden risks not seen in standard cholesterol panels.
- Helps guide treatment decisions for cholesterol-lowering therapy.
- Monitors the effects of diet, exercise, and medication on cholesterol particles.
- Assesses insulin resistance markers for a broader view of metabolic health.
Who Should Consider Advanced Lipid and Cardiometabolic Testing
People who have a family history of heart disease, have been told their cholesterol is “normal” but still worry about their risk, or want to know more about their heart and metabolic health may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has made healthy changes but still feels tired and wonders if their cholesterol numbers tell the whole story could use this test to get more answers.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Someone with diabetes or prediabetes who wants to track their risk for heart problems.
- A person with high blood pressure who needs a deeper look at their cholesterol profile.
- Anyone with a history of weight gain or obesity who wants to understand their risk for metabolic syndrome.
- Someone with a family member who had a heart attack at a young age.
- A person who has low HDL cholesterol but normal LDL cholesterol, since this can still mean higher risk.
This test gives a clearer picture of cholesterol particle patterns and insulin resistance, which can help guide changes in diet, exercise, or medication. Delaying this test could mean missing early signs of risk that are not visible with standard cholesterol checks, making it harder to take action before problems develop.
How to Prepare for Advanced Lipoprotein Particle Testing
Fasting for 10-12 hours before your blood draw is required for this test to give the most useful results. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you, as they may have specific guidance based on your situation.
Labs Included When Ordering Your NMR Lipoprofile
| Test Name | Reference Range | What the Test Measures | Low and High Levels of NMR Lipoprofile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cholesterol, Total | <200 | Shows the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL, HDL, and VLDL. Used to estimate risk for heart and artery problems. |
High levels mean a higher chance of artery plaque and heart problems.
Low levels mean possible issues with hormone production or nutrition. |
| HDL Size | >8.8 | Measures the average size of HDL particles, which help remove cholesterol from arteries. Larger HDL particles are linked to lower risk. |
High levels mean better cholesterol removal from arteries.
Low levels mean less protection against artery plaque. |
| HDL-P (Total) | >30.5 | Counts the number of HDL particles, which carry cholesterol away from arteries. More particles mean better heart protection. |
High levels mean stronger protection against heart disease.
Low levels mean less cholesterol is being removed from arteries. |
| HDL Cholesterol | >40 (men), >50 (women) | Shows the amount of “good” cholesterol, which helps clear cholesterol from the blood. Higher values are linked to lower risk. |
High levels mean more cholesterol is being cleared from the blood.
Low levels mean higher risk for artery plaque. |
| LDL Size | >20.5 | Shows the average size of LDL particles. Smaller, denser LDL is more likely to cause artery plaque than larger LDL. |
High levels mean LDL particles are larger and less likely to cause plaque.
Low levels mean more small, dense LDL, which can raise risk. |
| LDL-C | <100 | Shows the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the blood. Used to estimate risk for heart and artery problems. |
High levels mean more cholesterol is available to build up in arteries.
Low levels mean less risk for artery plaque. |
| LDL-P | <1000 | Counts the number of LDL particles, which is a better predictor of risk than LDL cholesterol alone. More particles mean higher risk. |
High levels mean more particles can enter artery walls and cause plaque.
Low levels mean lower risk for artery buildup. |
| LP-IR Score | <45 | A score that combines several markers to estimate insulin resistance, which can raise risk for diabetes and heart problems. |
High levels mean higher insulin resistance and risk for diabetes.
Low levels mean better insulin sensitivity. |
| Large HDL-P | >8.0 | Counts the number of large HDL particles, which are most effective at removing cholesterol from arteries. |
High levels mean more protection against artery plaque.
Low levels mean less cholesterol is being cleared. |
| Large VLDL-P | <0.9 | Counts the number of large VLDL particles, which carry triglycerides. High levels are linked to higher risk for heart and metabolic problems. |
High levels mean more triglycerides and higher risk for artery plaque.
Low levels mean less risk for metabolic issues. |
| Small LDL-P | <527 | Counts the number of small, dense LDL particles, which are more likely to cause artery plaque than larger LDL. |
High levels mean more risk for artery plaque and heart problems.
Low levels mean less risk for artery buildup. |
| Triglycerides | <150 | Shows the amount of fat in the blood. High levels are linked to higher risk for heart and metabolic problems. |
High levels mean more fat in the blood and higher risk for heart problems.
Low levels mean less risk for metabolic issues. |
| VLDL Size | <53.6 | Shows the average size of VLDL particles, which carry triglycerides. Larger VLDL is linked to higher risk for metabolic syndrome. |
High levels mean more risk for metabolic syndrome and heart problems.
Low levels mean less risk for these issues. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their standards, so always check your report for the most current values.
NMR Lipoprofile FAQ
Is there NMR Lipoprofile testing near me?
This is a test kit that can be collected at a local draw site—check the draw location link at the top of the page for options. Since cholesterol and insulin resistance markers often need regular monitoring, having a nearby collection site makes it easier to stay on track with your care.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should always review your results, we also offer a one-on-one test results review with our clinical team to help you understand your numbers and what they mean for your next steps.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see includes standard shipping to you and back to the lab, though draw fees may apply at your local collection site. Ordering this test is worth it because it can reveal hidden cholesterol risks that may not show up on standard panels, helping you address problems sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting every 6-12 months is recommended, especially if you are making changes to your diet, exercise, or medication, or if your doctor is monitoring your risk for heart or metabolic problems. Regular testing helps track progress and adjust your plan as needed.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which directly measures cholesterol particle size and number with a specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 97%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- This test cannot be collected in NY, NJ, MA, and RI. Contact us with questions.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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