Apolipoprotein B blood test in Chiswick
Measures apolipoprotein B, the protein found on every LDL and other cholesterol particle that can enter artery walls. It gives a particle count that can refine heart risk beyond a standard cholesterol test.
What the test measures
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the main structural protein on LDL, VLDL and lipoprotein(a), the particles that carry cholesterol and triglycerides from the liver to the rest of the body. Each of these particles carries exactly one ApoB molecule, so measuring ApoB is a way of counting how many potentially harmful particles are circulating.
This matters because two people can have the same LDL cholesterol yet very different numbers of particles. A higher particle count means more opportunities for particles to enter artery walls and contribute to plaque. This is particularly relevant if you have high triglycerides, type 2 diabetes or excess weight, where LDL cholesterol alone can underestimate risk. 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 heart attack or stroke at a young age.
- Your triglycerides are high, or you have type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
- Your LDL cholesterol looks normal but you still have other risk factors and want more detail.
- You take a statin or other cholesterol treatment and want to see how your particle count responds.
- Your GP or a cardiologist has suggested an ApoB measurement.
Understanding your result
Your report shows your ApoB with the laboratory reference range. Higher levels mean more cholesterol-carrying particles and are associated with a greater long-term risk of cardiovascular disease, especially alongside smoking, high blood pressure or diabetes. Lower levels are generally favourable. Very high levels together with a family history may suggest an inherited cholesterol condition worth discussing with your GP.
ApoB is one part of an overall risk assessment, not a diagnosis. Your practitioner will review it with your full lipid profile, lifestyle and family history, and a result outside the range is a prompt for discussion.
Preparing for your test
ApoB is not much affected by eating, so fasting is not always needed. If it is being measured with a full cholesterol profile including triglycerides, we may ask you to fast for 10 to 12 hours, water only. We will let you know which applies when you book. Keep taking prescribed medicines as usual.
ApoB is included in our Heart Health check with a full cholesterol profile, and in Advanced GP2 for a wider view of health. For everything else, browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is an apolipoprotein B test in Chiswick?
An apolipoprotein B test costs £79 at Omnia. The price includes the sample at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of the result and a GP feedback report on request.
Is ApoB better than LDL cholesterol?
They measure related but different things. LDL measures the cholesterol content, while ApoB counts the particles. ApoB can add useful information when the two do not match, particularly with high triglycerides or diabetes.
Do I need to fast for ApoB?
Not usually for ApoB on its own. If triglycerides are being measured at the same time, a fasting sample may be requested.
What can lower ApoB?
A diet lower in saturated fat, regular exercise, weight loss where appropriate and, for some people, cholesterol-lowering medicines prescribed by a clinician.
