Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Apolipoproteins Test
Why am I having this test?
The apolipoproteins test is done to evaluate a person’s risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and high cholesterol by looking at several indicators.
What is being tested?
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Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-1). This is an indicator of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Low levels of HDL are a risk factor for CAD.
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Apolipoprotein B (Apo B). This is an indicator of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. High levels of LDL and VLDL are risk factors for CAD.
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Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)]. This is an indicator of LDL-like proteins. High levels are considered a risk factor for CAD.
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Apolipoprotein E (Apo E). This is involved in cholesterol transport in the body. Certain forms of the Apo E gene are associated with high cholesterol, high LDL, and increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
What kind of sample is taken?
A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.
How do I prepare for this test?
Your health care provider may instruct you not to eat or drink for 12–14 hours before your test. Water is permitted. You may also be asked to stop smoking for a period of time before the test.
How are the results reported?
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Apo A-1
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Adult/elderly:
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Male: 75–160 mg/dL.
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Female: 80–175 mg/dL.
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5–17 years: 83–151 mg/dL.
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6 months–4 years:
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Male: 67–167 mg/dL.
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Female: 60–148 mg/dL.
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Newborn:
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Male: 41–93 mg/dL.
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Female: 38–106 mg/dL.
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Apo B
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Adult/elderly:
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Male: 50–125 mg/dL.
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Female: 45–120 mg/dL.
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5–17 years:
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Male: 47–139 mg/dL.
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Female: 41–132 mg/dL.
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6 months–3 years: 23–75 mg/dL.
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Newborn: 11–31 mg/dL.
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Apo A-1/Apo B ratio
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Male: 0.85–2.24.
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Female: 0.76–3.23.
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Lp(a)
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Caucasian (5th–95th percentile):
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Male: 2.2–49.4 mg/dL.
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Female: 2.1–57.3 mg/dL.
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African American (5th–95th percentile):
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Male: 4.6–71.8 mg/dL.
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Female: 4.4–75 mg/dL.
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Apo E
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Apo E genotyping results are reported as either positive or negative for the different gene forms.
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What do the results mean?
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Decreased levels of Apo A-1 are associated with an increased risk for CAD.
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Increased levels of Apo B are associated with an increased risk for CAD.
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Increased levels of Lp(a) are associated with an increased risk for CAD.
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A positive test for certain forms of the Apo E gene are associated with high cholesterol, high LDL, and increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
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When will my results be ready?
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How will I get my results?
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What are my treatment options?
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What other tests do I need?
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What are my next steps?
Summary
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The apolipoproteins test is done to evaluate a person’s risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and high cholesterol by looking at several indicators.
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You may be asked not to smoke, eat, or drink anything (except water) for 12–14 hours before your blood sample is collected.
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Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
