Apolipoprotein B
CPT Code(s):
82172
Turnaround Time:
8 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
3 months
Clinical Significance
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a crucial protein involved in lipid metabolism and is primarily found in the outer membrane of lipoprotein particles, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. The clinical significance and diagnostic utilization of ApoB include:
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: ApoB serves as a reliable marker for assessing cardiovascular risk. Higher levels of ApoB are associated with increased levels of atherogenic lipoproteins, particularly LDL cholesterol. Measuring ApoB levels can provide valuable information about an individual's risk of developing atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases.
Comprehensive Risk Evaluation: While traditional lipid panels measure total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, ApoB provides a more accurate representation of the number of atherogenic particles present in circulation. This is particularly relevant because individuals with a similar LDL cholesterol level can have varying numbers of LDL particles, influencing their cardiovascular risk.
Personalized Treatment Strategies: ApoB measurements offer insights into individualized treatment strategies. Individuals with elevated ApoB levels despite normal LDL cholesterol levels may benefit from more aggressive lipid-lowering interventions to effectively reduce their cardiovascular risk.
Monitoring Treatment Efficacy: ApoB levels can be used to monitor the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapies. Reductions in ApoB levels reflect improved lipid management and reduced cardiovascular risk, guiding treatment adjustments as needed.
Beyond LDL Cholesterol: ApoB provides additional information beyond LDL cholesterol, which is particularly important in cases of discordance between LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk. It helps identify individuals who may benefit from targeted interventions even when their LDL cholesterol levels appear acceptable.
Research and Clinical Studies: ApoB measurements contribute to research exploring the relationship between lipoprotein metabolism and cardiovascular outcomes. These studies deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis and aid in the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
In summary, ApoB is a critical biomarker in cardiovascular risk assessment and management. Its role in providing a more accurate reflection of atherogenic particle burden, guiding personalized treatment strategies, and monitoring treatment efficacy enhances our ability to evaluate and mitigate cardiovascular risk effectively. Incorporating ApoB measurements into clinical practice improves risk prediction and informs tailored interventions for improved patient outcomes.