Test ID APABR Apolipoprotein A1 and B, Plasma
Useful For
Assessment of residual risk in patients at target non-HDL-C (or LDL-C)
Follow-up studies in individuals with non-HDL-C (or LDL-C) values inconsistent with risk factors or clinical presentation
Definitive studies of cardiac risk factors in individuals with significant family histories of coronary artery disease or other increased risk factors
Profile Information
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
APLA1 | Apolipoprotein A1, P | Yes | Yes |
APLB | Apolipoprotein B, P | Yes | Yes |
RBAA | Apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio | No | Yes |
Method Name
Automated Turbidimetric Immunoassay
Reporting Name
Apolipoprotein A1 and B, PSpecimen Type
Plasma EDTACollection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot 1 mL of plasma. Send refrigerated.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request Form (T724) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/media/customer-service/forms/cardiovascular-request-form.pdf).
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Plasma EDTA | Refrigerated (preferred) | 8 days |
Frozen | 60 days |
Clinical Information
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the primary protein component of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) is the primary protein associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Both ApoB and ApoA1 are more strongly associated with cardiovascular disease than the corresponding lipoprotein cholesterol fraction (see APLA1 / Apolipoprotein A1, Plasma and APLB / Apolipoprotein B, Plasma). However, the most powerful risk prediction value of these proteins appears to be in their ratio (ie, ApoB:ApoA1).
ApoB is present in all atherogenic lipoproteins including LDL, Lp(a), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) remnants. ApoA1 is the nucleating protein around which HDL forms during reverse cholesterol transport. Therefore, the ApoB:ApoA1 ratio represents the balance between atherogenic and antiatherogenic lipoproteins. Several large prospective studies have shown that the ApoB:ApoA1 ratio performs as well, and often better, than traditional lipids as an indicator of risk.(1-3)
Reference Values
Males
Age |
Apolipoprotein A (mg/dL) |
Apolipoprotein B (mg/dL) |
Apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio |
<24 months |
Not established |
Not established |
Not established |
2-17 years |
Low: <115 Borderline low: 115-120 Acceptable: >120 |
Acceptable: <90 Borderline high: 90-109 High: ≥110 |
<0.8 |
>18 years |
≥120 |
Desirable: <90 Above Desirable: 90-99 Borderline high: 100-119 High: 120-139 Very high: ≥140 |
Lower Risk: <0.7 Average Risk: 0.7-0.9 Higher Risk: >0.9 |
Females
Age |
Apolipoprotein A (mg/dL) |
Apolipoprotein B (mg/dL) |
Apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio |
<24 months |
Not established |
Not established |
Not established |
2-17 years |
Low: <115 Borderline low: 115-120 Acceptable: >120 |
Acceptable: <90 Borderline high: 90-109 High: ≥110 |
<0.8 |
>18 years |
≥140 |
Desirable: <90 Above Desirable: 90-99 Borderline high: 100-119 High: 120-139 Very high: ≥140 |
Lower Risk: <0.6 Average Risk: 0.6-0.8 Higher Risk: >0.8 |
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday; Continuously
Report Available
1 dayPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82172 x 2