Apolipoprotein A-I blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Cholesterol and other fats cannot travel through the blood on their own, so they are packaged into particles called lipoproteins. Each particle carries proteins on its surface, known as apolipoproteins, which help it move, bind to cells and be recognised by the liver. Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) is the main protein in HDL, the particles that collect excess cholesterol from tissues and take it back to the liver.

Measuring ApoA-I gives an estimate of how many HDL particles you have, rather than how much cholesterol they hold. It is often compared with apolipoprotein B, which reflects the particles that carry cholesterol into artery walls, to give an ApoB to ApoA-I ratio. The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have a family history of early heart disease or stroke and want more detail than a standard cholesterol test.
• Your HDL cholesterol has been low and you would like to explore it further.
• You have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or a high waist measurement.
• Your clinician has suggested measuring apolipoproteins to refine your risk assessment.
• You are making diet, exercise or weight changes and want to track the effect.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your ApoA-I with the laboratory reference range. Higher levels are generally considered favourable, as they reflect more HDL particles available to remove cholesterol. Lower levels can be linked with smoking, inactivity, excess weight, type 2 diabetes, high triglycerides and some inherited conditions, and are read as one part of your overall cardiovascular picture.

ApoA-I does not predict heart disease on its own. Your practitioner will look at it with your full cholesterol profile, blood pressure, smoking, family history and other factors. On its own, an abnormal value is a starting point for discussion and not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not essential for ApoA-I, but if you are having it with a full cholesterol profile, we may ask you to fast for 10 to 12 hours, water only, so that triglycerides can be measured accurately. We will confirm when you book. Keep taking any prescribed cholesterol medicines.

For a fuller view of cholesterol and heart risk, our Heart Health check includes ApoA-I with other lipid markers. Sports Performance also includes it for people tracking training and recovery. Also available is our list of every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an apolipoprotein A-I test in Chiswick?

The apolipoprotein A-I test costs £79. This covers your sample at our W4 clinic, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report if you would like one.

How is ApoA-I different from HDL cholesterol?

HDL cholesterol measures how much cholesterol is carried in HDL particles, while ApoA-I reflects the number of those particles. They usually move together but can sometimes differ.

Can I raise my ApoA-I?

Stopping smoking, regular physical activity and losing excess weight are associated with higher HDL and ApoA-I. Your practitioner can talk through what is realistic for you.

Should I test ApoA-I and ApoB together?

Often, yes. Comparing them gives a ratio that some clinicians use alongside standard cholesterol results to understand cardiovascular risk.