ApoB measures the number of atherogenic (artery-clogging) particles in your blood, providing a more accurate cardiovascular risk assessment than standard LDL cholesterol.
Apolipoprotein B is a protein found on every atherogenic lipoprotein particle - that's every particle capable of depositing cholesterol in your arteries. While standard LDL-C measures cholesterol content, ApoB counts the actual number of dangerous particles.
This matters because two people with identical LDL-C can have very different particle counts. Someone with many small, dense LDL particles (higher ApoB) has greater cardiovascular risk than someone with fewer, larger particles - even with the same LDL cholesterol number. ApoB is increasingly recognized as the best single marker of cardiovascular risk.
Price
$20
Results
2-3 days
Lab Network
Quest
Fasting
Not Required
What's Measured
What This Test Measures
This test measures the concentration of Apolipoprotein B protein in mg/dL. Since each atherogenic particle has exactly one ApoB molecule, the result reflects your total number of harmful particles. Optimal ApoB is generally below 80 mg/dL, with below 65 mg/dL ideal for high-risk individuals.
Who Should Consider This Test
Anyone wanting the most accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk. Especially valuable for people with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high triglycerides, or those whose LDL cholesterol seems inconsistent with their risk. Also useful for monitoring statin therapy effectiveness.
Health Insights
Conditions Screened
Related Symptoms
When to Get Tested
No fasting required (ApoB is minimally affected by food). Test as part of comprehensive cardiovascular assessment, especially if you have metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or discordant lipid results.
Understanding Your Results
Lower is better. Optimal: <80 mg/dL for most adults. High risk individuals (diabetes, established cardiovascular disease): target <65 mg/dL. Very high risk: consider <55 mg/dL. ApoB is considered by many experts to be superior to LDL-C for assessing and managing cardiovascular risk.
What to Expect
After placing your order, you'll receive an email from Rupa Health (our lab order partner) within 24 business hours to sign a consent form and schedule your blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics location.
The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes. Results are usually available within 2-3 business days and will appear in your secure Justlabs dashboard.
Our results include reference ranges and easy-to-understand indicators showing whether your values are within normal limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
$20
Typical hospital cash price: $200–$400
+ $28 in standard lab & physician fees at checkout (no additional bills later)
$18 lab collection + $10 physician order
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