Insight into your ApoA1 level.
ApoA1 is the main protein on your HDL particles and reflects how many of those particles are travelling through your blood. HDL cholesterol measures how much cholesterol sits inside them. This single measurement brings that picture into view, with personal explanation from our doctors.
Also known as: Apo A1, Apolipoprotein A-I
Personal assessment by our BIG-registered Bloodworks® doctors
By the Bloodworks editorial team
Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) blood test
- Total
- 74,-
Next step: choose your collection point
- No referral needed
- 1000+ collection points
- Results typically within 2 working days
- Every result reviewed by a BIG-registered doctor
Lipid transport from both sides
View Extended Heart and Vessels
ApoA1 is about the HDL particles, ApoB about the particles that can leave cholesterol behind in the artery wall. Only together do they form the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio. The Extended Heart and Vessels package measures ApoB and Lp(a) in a single blood draw for €89, plus a one-off €29 blood draw fee per order (waived from €225). You add ApoA1 to the same order, so everything is taken in one draw. If ApoA1 is all you need, you are cheaper off here.
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Blood draw
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Background
What is apolipoprotein A1?
Apolipoprotein A1, usually shortened to ApoA1, is the main protein on the outside of HDL particles. Practically every HDL particle carries one or more of them. ApoA1 gives those particles their shape and starts the process by which cholesterol is collected from tissues and from the artery wall and carried back to the liver. Measuring ApoA1 therefore gives you a measure of how many HDL particles are doing that work.
That is where ApoA1 differs from HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol measures how much cholesterol sits inside the particles, ApoA1 says something about the particles themselves. In many people the two move together, but they need not: particles can be small and carry little cholesterol. ApoA1 is in that sense the counterpart of ApoB, which counts the particles that can leave cholesterol behind in the artery wall. The ratio between the two, ApoB divided by ApoA1, is used in cardiovascular risk estimation because it brings both sides of lipid transport together in a single figure.
In brief
The protein of HDL
The main structural protein of HDL particles
About the particles
HDL cholesterol measures the cholesterol inside them
Counterpart of ApoB
The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is used in risk estimation
Modifiable
Moves with physical activity, weight and smoking
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your ApoA1 be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring ApoA1 can provide insight.
Alongside your cholesterol profile
A lipid profile shows how much cholesterol you carry. ApoA1 shows how many HDL particles are doing that work.
With ApoB, for the ratio
ApoB counts the particles that can leave cholesterol behind in the artery wall, ApoA1 covers the particles that collect it again. Only together do they give the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio.
With a striking HDL cholesterol result
If your HDL cholesterol stands out, ApoA1 shows whether that comes from the number of particles or from the amount of cholesterol per particle.
With cardiovascular disease in the family
Cardiovascular disease at a young age in the family is a commonly cited reason to look at lipid transport from both sides.
Tracking the effect of lifestyle changes
ApoA1 moves with physical activity, weight and smoking. Those who have worked on these can see after a few months what has happened to the value.
With high triglycerides or excess weight
In these situations the composition of the fat particles changes. HDL cholesterol and ApoA1 can then give a different picture.
For a repeat measurement after a few months
Because the value moves with lifestyle and treatment, a second measurement after a few months is worthwhile if you want to see a change.
What your result means
ApoA1 too high or too low: what does that mean?
ApoA1 is measured in grams per litre (g/L). The laboratory states the reference ranges that apply there alongside your result, and those are leading. Our doctor weighs your value within the overall picture, as ApoA1 is one of several factors taken into account in cardiovascular risk estimation.
A low value
A low ApoA1 means that few HDL particles are travelling through your blood. This is seen more often with excess weight, little physical activity, smoking, high triglycerides and type 2 diabetes. A hereditary predisposition can play a part as well, and some medicines affect the value. A single measurement is not a diagnosis. Our doctor explains your value and places it in your personal situation.
A value within the reference ranges
An ApoA1 within the laboratory reference ranges gives a reassuring picture for this single marker. It remains a snapshot: the value moves with your weight, your physical activity and any treatment. It also says nothing about the number of particles on the other side of lipid transport, which is what ApoB brings into view.
An elevated value
A higher ApoA1 means that many HDL particles are travelling through your blood. In women the value is on average higher than in men, and regular physical activity is associated with it too. A high value is no guarantee in itself: research shows that a high HDL value cannot simply be read as a protective figure. Our doctor therefore places your value alongside your other lipid values and your personal situation.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your ApoA1 against the laboratory reference ranges and your personal context, such as age, sex, lifestyle, medication use, family history and your other lipid values.
Related tests
Often combined with ApoA1.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine ApoA1 with a theme package or related markers.
+ 29,- blood draw fee per orderFree from 225,-
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
What is the difference between ApoA1 and HDL cholesterol?
HDL cholesterol reflects how much cholesterol sits inside your HDL particles. ApoA1 is the protein that forms those particles, so it says something about how many there are. In many people both values move together. If there is little cholesterol per particle, the two can diverge and ApoA1 describes the transport more accurately.
What does the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio tell you?
ApoB counts the particles that can leave cholesterol behind in the artery wall, while ApoA1 covers the particles that collect cholesterol again. The ratio between them brings both sides of lipid transport together in a single figure, which is why it is used in cardiovascular risk estimation. You do need both tests for it; ApoA1 on its own does not produce a ratio.
Do I need to fast for an ApoA1 test?
For ApoA1 on its own you do not need to fast. If you are also having a cholesterol profile or triglycerides measured, we advise fasting for 9 to 12 hours and drinking only water during that period. That keeps your values comparable over time.
What is a normal ApoA1 level?
There is no fixed figure that applies to everyone. The laboratory states the reference ranges that apply there alongside your result, and those are leading. Our doctor assesses your value against that reference and your personal situation, such as age, sex, your other lipid values and medication use.
Can I have ApoA1 measured together with ApoB?
Yes. Both tests are done from the same blood draw and you can put them side by side in one order. That is also the only way to obtain the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio, because it follows from two measured values and not from either one alone.
Does ApoA1 change with lifestyle?
The value moves with physical activity, weight and smoking, and with some medicines as well. Unlike Lp(a), which is almost entirely determined by heredity, repeat measurement is therefore worthwhile here. If you want to see a change, measuring again after about three months is common.
Is a high ApoA1 always favourable?
That is not so simple to say. A higher value means many HDL particles are travelling through your blood, but research shows that a high HDL value cannot be read as a standalone guarantee. Your doctor therefore looks at the whole picture: your other lipid values, blood pressure, weight, smoking and blood sugar all belong to it.
What does ApoA1 cost separately, and when is a package better value?
On this page you order ApoA1 as a single test for €45, plus a one-off €29 blood draw fee per order (waived from €225). If you want ApoB and Lp(a) alongside it, the Extended Heart and Vessels package measures those two for €89 in the same draw. If you want the full lipid profile as well, Extended Heart and Vessels Complete contains all of it for €139.
Where do you give blood?
You can give blood at collection points across the Netherlands, usually without an appointment.
Find a collection point near you or read how a blood draw works.
Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine ApoA1 with other markers via Bloodworks Select. The blood draw and collection fee is charged once per order, and is waived from 225,-.
Ready for insight into your ApoA1 level?
You receive your ApoA1 level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within 2 working days. No referral required.