LSP: FAQs

How does LSP certification work?

LSP provides participants with 12 blinded samples per quarter. Participants analyze one sample per week and submit data every quarter. Participants are evaluated and receive reports quarterly. If the data meet the criteria for total cholesterol, total glycerides and HDL-cholesterol, certificates are also issued. For Apo AI and Apo B, reports are provided instead of certificates because reference measurement procedures are not available for these analytes.

What are the analytes that are evaluated in LSP?

We evaluate results for total cholesterol, total glycerides and HDL-cholesterol, Apo AI and Apo B. Certificates are issued for total cholesterol, total glycerides and HDL-cholesterol only.

What kind of material is provided in LSP?

Participants receive pools that are value assigned by CDC’s Lipid Reference Laboratory. The pools that are used in LSP are collected according to the CLSI C37-A guideline to mimic actual patient samples. The guideline allows for preparation of frozen serum materials that have minimal matrix alteration. These kind of preparations have been shown to work across various measurement procedures.

How can my laboratory participate in LSP?

Please contact cdclsp@cdc.gov to obtain an application form.

Can my laboratory apply at any time?

Typically, LSP enrollment starts in the summer for the following year but laboratories may enroll for any quarter (subject to sample availability).

What are dates for each quarter?

The dates for each quarter are as follows:

First Quarter: January 1 – March 31
Second Quarter: April 1 – June 30
Third Quarter: July 1 – September 30
Fourth Quarter: October 1 – December 31

Disclaimer

Use of trade names is for identification only and does not constitute endorsement by the CDC or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.