ApoB and ApoA1 blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Apolipoproteins are the proteins that carry fats around the bloodstream. Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) sits on each LDL, VLDL and lipoprotein (a) particle, so its level reflects the number of particles that can enter artery walls and contribute to plaque. Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA1) is the main protein on HDL particles, which help carry cholesterol back to the liver.

The ApoB to ApoA1 ratio sets the potentially harmful particles against the protective ones. Because it counts particles rather than the cholesterol inside them, it can add useful detail when LDL looks normal but triglycerides are high, or when you have diabetes, insulin resistance or a strong family history.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• Your cholesterol results are borderline and you want more detail before making decisions.
• You have a family history of early heart attack or stroke.
• You have type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance or high triglycerides.
• You are on a statin or making lifestyle changes and want to track particle numbers.
• Your GP has suggested ApoB as an extra marker of heart risk.

Understanding your result

A higher ApoB, or a higher ApoB to ApoA1 ratio, generally points to more atherogenic particles in the blood and a greater long-term risk to the arteries. A lower ApoA1 can go with low HDL. Your report shows the laboratory reference range, and your practitioner will read your results with your blood pressure, smoking status, weight and family history.

These markers describe risk, not disease, and they do not show whether arteries are narrowed. Any result outside the range is a prompt for discussion about diet, activity and whether to speak to your GP, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not usually needed for apolipoproteins, as they change little after a meal, so you can eat normally. Avoid an unusually heavy, fatty meal or alcohol the night before. Keep taking any cholesterol medicine as prescribed and tell your practitioner what you take, so your results can be read correctly.

For a fuller cholesterol profile, see our cholesterol tests. ApoB and ApoA1 are also part of Advanced GP2 and Omnia Signature. You can compare every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an ApoB and ApoA1 test in Chiswick?

The ApoB and ApoA1 Heart Ratio test costs £89 and includes your blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Is ApoB better than LDL cholesterol?

They measure related things. LDL shows the cholesterol carried, while ApoB counts the particles. ApoB can add detail when LDL and triglycerides do not tell a clear story.

Do I need to fast?

No, fasting is not usually needed. Eating normally the day before is fine, but avoid a very fatty meal or heavy drinking.

How often should I check ApoB?

If you are making changes or starting treatment, a recheck after about three months can show progress. Otherwise, once a year is common.