Analytical and biological components of variability and various derived
indices have been determined for lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], homocysteine
(Hcy), cysteine (Cys), and total antioxidant status (TAOS) in ostensibly
healthy adult Caucasians and in stable outpatients with an increased serum
Lp(a). In healthy Caucasians, average intraindividual biological CVs (CVb)
were 20.0% for Lp(a), 9.4% for Hcy, 5.9% for Cys, and 2.8% for TAOS, CVbs
being similar in men and women. In the outpatient group, CVbs were
comparable for Hcy, Cys, and TAOS, but significantly lower for Lp(a) (7.5%
vs 20.0%; P <0.0001). Moreover, a significant inverse relation between
both biological and analytical CVs (CVa) and serum Lp(a) concentrations
was demonstrated. We conclude that average CVa and CVb values, and hence
average derived indices, are adequate for Hcy, Cys, and TAOS, whereas
individual values should be used for Lp(a)