Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Fasting for at least 12-14 hours is required
- Turnaround: 3-4 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the amount of apolipoprotein B in your blood. Apolipoprotein B is a protein found on the surface of LDL cholesterol particles, often called "bad" cholesterol, and this test reports it as a directly measured concentration.
Apolipoprotein B levels can help your healthcare provider evaluate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, since elevated levels are associated with LDL particles that contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. This test measures apolipoprotein B specifically, not your full lipid profile.
Benefits
- Measures apolipoprotein B, a marker linked to LDL particles
- Supports cardiovascular risk assessment alongside other lipid results
- Provides a directly measured blood concentration value
- Convenient blood test with a defined turnaround window
- Can help track changes in apolipoprotein B over time
- Results shared online for easy access
Who Is This Test For?
- People with a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol
- Individuals who are overweight or have obesity
- People with a diet high in saturated or trans fats
- Those with a history of smoking or a sedentary lifestyle
- People with diabetes or high blood pressure
- Anyone wanting to monitor their cholesterol and heart health
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and what is its purpose?
This test measures the concentration of apolipoprotein B in your blood, reported as a directly measured value from a blood sample. Apolipoprotein B is a protein carried on LDL cholesterol particles, and measuring it can help a healthcare provider evaluate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This test measures apolipoprotein B only — it does not include other biomarkers and does not provide a complete picture of your cardiovascular health on its own.
2. Who should consider this test, and when should I order it?
This test may be appropriate for people with a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, those who are overweight or have obesity, and people with diets high in saturated or trans fats. It may also suit those with a history of smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of cardiac events or stroke, as well as anyone wanting to evaluate their cardiovascular risk, monitor cholesterol-related markers over time, or follow up on previous cholesterol results — often as part of a broader conversation with a healthcare provider about heart health. Not everyone needs this test, and your healthcare provider can help determine if it fits your individual health history.
3. Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes. Fasting for at least 12-14 hours is required before this test.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 3-4 days. This may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
5. How do I interpret my results?
The meaning of your apolipoprotein B result depends on your individual health history, symptoms, medications, and other laboratory results. A single elevated or normal result does not, on its own, confirm or rule out cardiovascular disease. Your healthcare provider can help interpret this result alongside your broader clinical picture.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Do not start, stop, or change any medication based on this result without guidance from your healthcare provider. Review the result with a qualified healthcare provider, who can help determine what it means for you and whether any additional evaluation or testing may be appropriate.
7. How often should I get tested?
How often you should be tested depends on your individual health situation. Follow the testing schedule recommended by your healthcare provider, as directed by your healthcare provider.
Pre-test preparation
Fasting for at least 12-14 hours is required before this test.
Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
