Apolipoprotein B levels: what's normal, high and low
The protein on every atherogenic lipoprotein particle. A direct count of plaque-forming particles.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Apolipoprotein B is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 90.0 mg/dL. At TestWell it's $90.99 all-in as Advanced Lipid Panel, results in 3–5 business days, drawn at Quest. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mg/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- 8–12 hours
- Results
- 3–5 business days
- Price
- $90.99
- Labs
- Quest
Apolipoprotein B Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 0.000 – 90.0 mg/dL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your Apolipoprotein B result may mean
Above 90 mg/dL is associated with increased cardiovascular risk; above 130 mg/dL is high.
What a high Apolipoprotein B means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a high Apolipoprotein B mean?
ApoB counts the number of atherogenic particles (LDL, VLDL, IDL, Lp(a)) and predicts cardiovascular risk better than LDL cholesterol, especially when triglycerides are high or LDL looks 'normal'. Below about 90 mg/dL is desirable for most adults; below 65–80 for people at high risk. Elevated ApoB has the same drivers as LDL — genetics, diet, weight, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism.
Common causes of a high Apolipoprotein B
- Genetics, including familial hypercholesterolemia
- Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (many small LDL particles)
- Diet, excess weight
- Hypothyroidism, kidney disease
- Medications that raise LDL
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None
What clinicians usually check next
- Lipoprotein(a) once — it contributes to ApoB and is inherited
- TSH, A1c, fasting insulin
- Cardiovascular risk discussion; ApoB is a treatment target in many guidelines
Follow-up tests at TestWell: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99).
My LDL is fine but ApoB is high. Which matters?
ApoB. A discordance like that usually means many small, dense LDL particles — typical of insulin resistance — and the particle count is what predicts risk.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a Apolipoprotein B test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Apolipoprotein B is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Lipid Panel | This marker only | $90.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Apolipoprotein B: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $90.99 |
| Labcorp | No | — |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Heart Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Apolipoprotein B.
Frequently asked
What does a high Apolipoprotein B mean?
ApoB counts the number of atherogenic particles (LDL, VLDL, IDL, Lp(a)) and predicts cardiovascular risk better than LDL cholesterol, especially when triglycerides are high or LDL looks 'normal'. Below about 90 mg/dL is desirable for most adults; below 65–80 for people at high risk. Elevated ApoB has the same drivers as LDL — genetics, diet, weight, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism.
My LDL is fine but ApoB is high. Which matters?
ApoB. A discordance like that usually means many small, dense LDL particles — typical of insulin resistance — and the particle count is what predicts risk.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my apolipoprotein b?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Apolipoprotein B results?
Most Apolipoprotein B results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Apolipoprotein B test cost?
Our Advanced Lipid Panel starts at $90.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Apolipoprotein B test?
Yes — for the most accurate result, fast for 8–12 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine; coffee, food, and supplements are not. Your prep instructions will be included with your order.
Which lab will process my Apolipoprotein B test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
What can throw off a Apolipoprotein B result?
Keto and high-protein diets can change a Apolipoprotein B result without anything being wrong. Keto and high-protein diets can raise apob — recheck with ApoB; discuss cardiovascular risk rather than dismissing the rise as 'diet noise'. Each is explained on our physician-reviewed "Before your test" pages; when one applies, remove it and retest.
Ready to test your apolipoprotein b?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $90.99.