Apo B Test

How do I prepare for an apolipoprotein B blood test?

You don’t have to fast before Apo B testing. But you should avoid eating or drinking for 12 hours before it if you’re getting a lipid panel test at the same time. Drinking water is OK. Staying hydrated before your blood test can make it easier for a provider to find and puncture your vein.

It’s helpful to wear a shirt with short sleeves on the day of your blood test. That way, you don’t have to roll up a long sleeve.

What to expect during Apo B testing

During an Apo B test, a healthcare provider will:

1. Seat you in a chair and ask you to lay your arm out in front of you. You can rest it on the arm of the chair.
2. Tie a stretchy band tightly around your upper arm so your blood flow slows down and your vein puffs up a bit.
3. Clean the area where they’ll insert a needle. This is usually a quick swipe with an alcohol pad.
4. Put a small needle into your vein.
5. Use the needle to pull blood into a tube that holds blood.

What to expect after an Apo B test

After taking your blood sample, a provider will:

1. Remove the stretchy band from your arm.
2. Remove the needle from your arm.
3. Use gauze or a cotton ball to press on the spot where they took the needle out.
4. Put on a bandage. (You can take this off later in the day.)

What are the risks of an Apo B test?

After a blood test, most people feel fine and go on with their day. But some people feel dizzy or lightheaded. If that happens to you, sit for a few minutes until you feel better. It may help to put your head between your knees while you’re sitting or to drink some water or juice.

If you get lightheaded every time you get a blood test, you may want to ask someone to drive you to those appointments.

You may have a bruise on your arm for a couple of days. Try not to bump your arm until the bruise goes away.

What type of results do you get and what do the results mean?

Your Apolipoprotein B -100 test results can range from 20 to 400 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

If your Apo B is higher than 130 mg/dL, you’re at a higher risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

Some cardiology guidelines recommend a target of less than 65 or 80 mg/dL of Apo B. They suggest these goals for people between ages 40 and 75 who take statins.

What is a normal Apo B level?

A normal Apo B level is:

• 66 to 133 mg/dL for males
• 60 to 117 mg/dL for females

Conditions that can make your Apo B test results higher

Your Apo B test results may be higher if you have:

• A pregnancy.
• High cholesterol.
• Nephrotic syndrome, a kidney issue.

Conditions that make your Apo B test results lower

Your Apo B test results may be lower if you:

• Have sepsis.
• Have liver disease.
• Take estrogen.

When should I know the results of an Apo B test?

It’ll take several days to get your Apo B test results. Every lab is different, so ask your provider when you can expect results.

If the results are abnormal, what are the next steps?

If you have a high Apo B level, your provider will recommend the same treatments they would for high LDL cholesterol.

These include:

• Exercising for 30 minutes or more each day.
• Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Limiting saturated fats in your diet.
• Staying at a weight that’s right for you.
• Avoiding tobacco products.
• Taking a cholesterol-lowering drug.

When should I call my doctor?

Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about your results or treatment.