1 - 2 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
For more information, please view the literature below.
Spanning the Continuum of Cardiovascular Care
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): Refining Cardiovascular Risk Management and LDL Treatment Decisions
Serum (preferred) or plasma
2 mL
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, green-top (heparin) tube, or lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Separate serum or plasma from cells. Transfer specimen to a plastic transport tube.
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Temperature
Period
Room temperature
14 days
Refrigerated
Frozen
Freeze/thaw cycles
Stable x3
Patient must be fasting 12 to 14 hours.
Specimen from nonfasting patient
LDL and its major protein, apolipoprotein B, play an essential role in lipid transport and metabolism. Apo B may regulate cholesterol synthesis through its interaction with specific cell membrane receptors and by inhibition of HMG Co A reductase. This enzyme has been identified as the rate controlling enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Apo B may be important in the genesis of atherosclerosis and its quantitation useful in the evaluation of patients at risk for or having coronary atherosclerosis (CAD). High levels indicate increased risk for CAD.
Immunologic
Apolipoprotein B (mg/dL)
Desirable
Borderline High
High
Very High
<90
90 – 99
100 – 130
>130
ASCVD Risk Category
Therapeutic Target APO B (mg/dL)
Very High Risk
<80 (if extreme risk <70)
High Risk
Moderate Risk
