Insight into your ApoB level.
ApoB counts how many cholesterol particles are travelling through your blood that can lodge in the artery wall. LDL measures how much cholesterol sits inside those particles. This single measurement brings that number into view, with personal explanation from our doctors.
Also known as: ApoB, apo B, apolipoprotein B, apolipoproteine B
Personal assessment by our BIG-registered doctors
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Blood draw
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Background
What is apolipoprotein B?
Apolipoprotein B, usually shortened to ApoB, is a protein on the outside of the fat particles in your blood. Every particle that can leave cholesterol behind in the artery wall carries exactly one ApoB protein. That applies to LDL particles, and to the other cholesterol-carrying particles as well. Measuring ApoB therefore effectively counts how many of those particles are travelling through your blood.
That is where ApoB differs from LDL cholesterol. LDL measures how much cholesterol sits inside the particles, ApoB counts the particles themselves. In many people the two move together: a lot of cholesterol means a lot of particles. But particles can also be small and carry little cholesterol, and then more of them are needed to transport the same amount. Your LDL can look calm in that case while the particle count is in fact high. This is seen more often with excess weight, with type 2 diabetes and with high triglycerides. International guidelines therefore regard ApoB as a more precise measure of cardiovascular risk than LDL alone.
In brief
One protein per particle
Every risk-carrying particle carries exactly one ApoB
Counts particles
LDL measures the cholesterol inside them
More precise than LDL alone
This is how international guidelines weigh ApoB
Modifiable
Moves with lifestyle and treatment
This marker is also included in
Testing several values in a single draw takes one blood collection and gives a more complete picture. The choice is yours.
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your ApoB be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring ApoB can provide insight.
Alongside your cholesterol profile
A lipid profile shows how much cholesterol you carry. ApoB shows how many particles that is spread across.
With high triglycerides
If your triglycerides are high, LDL and ApoB can diverge and LDL alone does not tell the whole story.
With excess weight or type 2 diabetes
In these situations the particle count can be higher than your LDL value would suggest.
With cardiovascular disease in the family
Cardiovascular disease at a young age in the family is a commonly cited reason to look beyond LDL alone.
Tracking the effect of lifestyle changes
ApoB moves with diet, weight and physical activity. Those who have worked on these can see after a few months what it has done to the particle count.
Together with Lp(a) for the full picture
Lp(a) reveals a largely inherited risk, ApoB the part you can influence yourself. Many people therefore have both measured in a single draw.
What your result means
ApoB too high or too low: what does that mean?
ApoB is measured in grams per litre (g/L). The laboratory supplies the reference ranges with your result. Our doctor weighs your value within your overall risk profile, as the particle count is one of several factors that together determine cardiovascular risk.
A low value
A low ApoB means that few risk-carrying particles are travelling through your blood. On its own this is generally regarded as favourable for cardiovascular risk based on lipids. It says nothing about your other risk factors, such as blood pressure, weight, smoking and blood sugar. In a few cases a strikingly low value can be linked to another cause, for example a liver condition or reduced fat absorption. Our doctor provides explanation and context.
A value within the reference ranges
An ApoB within the laboratory reference ranges gives a reassuring picture for this single marker. It remains a snapshot: ApoB moves with your weight, your diet and any treatment. With a family history, Lp(a) can additionally reveal a risk that ApoB does not pick up, because that value is almost entirely determined by heredity.
An elevated value
An elevated ApoB means that many particles are travelling through your blood that can leave cholesterol behind in the artery wall. This can be linked to a diet high in saturated fat, excess weight, little physical activity, high triglycerides, type 2 diabetes or a hereditary predisposition. A single measurement is not a diagnosis. Because ApoB can be influenced by lifestyle and treatment, retesting after a few months is worthwhile here. Our doctor explains your value and advises when a conversation with your GP is customary.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your ApoB against the laboratory reference ranges and your personal context, such as age, lifestyle, medication use, family history and your other lipid values.
Related tests
Often combined with ApoB.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine ApoB 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 ApoB and LDL cholesterol?
LDL cholesterol reflects how much cholesterol sits inside your LDL particles. ApoB counts how many particles there are that can leave cholesterol behind in the artery wall, because each of those particles carries exactly one ApoB protein. In many people both values move together. If there is little cholesterol per particle, your LDL can look calm while the particle count is high.
Can my LDL be fine while my ApoB is high?
Yes, this happens. It is seen more often with high triglycerides, with excess weight and with type 2 diabetes. The particles then carry less cholesterol, so more of them are needed to transport the same amount. ApoB shows that difference, LDL alone does not.
Do I need to fast for an ApoB test?
For ApoB 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 the difference between ApoB and Lp(a)?
Lp(a) is largely fixed by heredity and barely changes with lifestyle, so one measurement in your life is usually enough. ApoB does move with diet, weight and treatment, so repeat measurement is worthwhile there. The two complement each other and are measured in a single draw in the Heart & Vessels Extra package.
What is a normal ApoB level?
There is no fixed figure that applies to everyone. The laboratory provides the reference ranges that apply there alongside your result. Our doctor assesses your value against that reference and your personal situation, such as age, your other lipid values, medication use and cardiovascular disease in the family.
What does ApoB cost separately, and when is a package better value?
On this page you order ApoB as a single test for €49, plus a one-off €29 blood draw fee per order (waived from €225). If you also want Lp(a), the two ordered separately come to €98 together, while the Heart & Vessels Extra package measures both for €89. If you want the full lipid profile alongside them, Cholesterol Profile Extended contains everything together for €139.
In the Health Guide
Read more about this value
Ready for insight into your ApoB level?
You receive your ApoB level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within 2 working days. No referral required.
Order ApoB →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine ApoB with other markers via Bloodworks Select. The blood draw and collection fee is charged once per order, and is waived from €225.
49,-
+ €29 blood draw fee+ €29 blood draw fee per order