Apo B Blood Test - More Information

The apolipoprotein B test, sometimes known as an ApoB test, ApoB blood test, or apolipoprotein B-100 lab test, measures the apolipoprotein B blood level.

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a special protein that has been found to bind many types of lipids that have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Lipids bound by ApoB include VLDL, LDL and chylomicrons and, together, they form lipoprotein complexes that can be assimilated into cells.

ApoB, when elevated, is thought to be a strong risk factor for plaque formation in vessels. The risk may even elevate further when high ApoB levels are found at the same time as high LDL levels. While the standard lipid panel test has historically been used to assess cardiovascular risk, more current research suggests that panels like the CardioIQ advanced lipid panel test are more accurate. In addition to being elevated from standard risk factors, ApoB levels can be also be high due to genetic mutations.

Getting an ApoB test near you is not a hard process as long as there is a Quest Diagnostics lab near you. Simply order online and get your blood drawn at your selected lab. Unless specified by your medical provider, fasting for an ApoB test is not usually necessary. ApoB lab results come back relatively quickly and, as can be seen on the ApoB lab report above, your results will be reported as a number in mg/dL. Your apolipoprotein B test results can be compared against the reference range reported by the lab to give you a sense as to whether your risk category is optimal, moderate or high. Follow up with your licensed medical provider for ongoing management is recommended.