Why get tested? To help evaluate your risk of developing atherosclerotic heart disease
When to get tested? When you have a personal or family history of heart disease and/or hyperlipidemia and your doctor is trying to determine your risk of developing cardiovascular disease; sometimes measured to help monitor treatment for hyperlipidemia or to help diagnose a rare Apo B deficiency
Sample required? A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
Note: This test is often ordered at the same time as other tests that require fasting (such as a LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides); therefore, you may be instructed to fast for 12 hours prior to having this test.
This article was last reviewed on August 14, 2007.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
The review date indicates when the article was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the article, so the two dates may not always agree.
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