Apolipoprotein A1 and B blood test
Quick answer: This test measures apolipoproteins, the proteins that carry cholesterol in the blood: Apo B is linked with harmful cholesterol and Apo A1 with protective HDL cholesterol. Doctors order it to get a more detailed picture of heart disease risk, especially when there is a family history.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testYour doctor may ask you to fast for 8 to 12 hours; follow the instructions given.
How the test is done
- 1Your doctor may ask you to fast for 8 to 12 hours, with water allowed
- 2The inside of your elbow is cleaned
- 3A needle draws blood into a tube
- 4The lab measures Apo A1, Apo B or both
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Normal ranges differ between labs and by age and sex, so discuss your result with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A high Apo B can be seen with a higher number of cholesterol-carrying particles linked to heart disease risk. A low Apo A1 can be seen with low HDL cholesterol, which is also linked with higher risk.
Who usually has this test
People with a family history of early heart disease, high cholesterol that runs in families, or diabetes, where a fuller risk picture is wanted.
Risks and aftercare
If you fasted, have something to eat afterwards; a small bruise may appear where the needle went in.
Names and options
Also called: Apo A1, Apo B, apolipoproteins
Options
- Apo A1
- Apo B
- Apo A1 and Apo B
Listed by the hospital as
- APOLIPOPROTEINS A 1, SERUM)
- APOLIPOPROTEINS B, SERUM
- APOLIPOPROTEIN A1 & B, SERUM
Questions about this test
How is Apo B different from LDL cholesterol?
LDL measures the amount of cholesterol carried, while Apo B counts the number of particles that can carry it into artery walls. Some doctors find Apo B useful when LDL does not tell the full story.
Do I need to fast for an apolipoprotein test?
Apolipoproteins themselves change little after a meal, but the test is often done with a lipid profile that may need fasting. Follow the instructions given.
What is the Apo B to Apo A1 ratio?
It compares the harmful and protective particles. A higher ratio can mean a higher risk of heart disease, and your doctor reads it with your other risk factors.
Related tests
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34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.