Test Description

Apo A-1 represents the “good” cholesterol, so higher levels are best. Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-1) has been reported to be a better predictor than HDL cholesterol and triglycerides for coronary artery disease. Low levels of Apo A-1 in serum are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease. Measurement of Apo A-1 may be of value in identifying patients with atherosclerosis.

When should this test be ordered?
When you have a family history of heart disease or to assess your risk for developing heart disease; you have an elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels or to find cause for high levels in these tests.
High Risk · Male: 0-103 (mg/dL); Female: 0-107 (mg/dL)
Apo A-1: Follow NCEP: ATPIII guidelines. Consider decreasing the saturated fat in the diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising. Consider statins, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, thiazolidinediones, and fibrates.
Borderline Risk ·
Apo A-1: Follow NCEP: ATPIII guidelines. Consider decreasing the saturated fat in the diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising. Consider statins, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, thiazolidinediones, and fibrates.
Low Risk · Male: > = 104 (mg/dL); Female: > = 108 (mg/dL)
Within Reference Range
Testing Method Used
Immunoturbidometric.

Sample is stable for 8 days at 2-8°C.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
To improve abnormal results, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication and suggest lifestyle modifications such as adding diet and exercise to your daily routine. Healthy eating and physical activity can help can have a preventative effect on this test.
Specimen Type
Serum
Fasting Required
No, but may be done with other tests that requires fasting.
Drawing and Processing
  1. tube1Draw from a vein into a SST tube
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately
  3. Let stand upright in tube rack for 30 minutes
  4. Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3300rpm
  5. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  6. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly lipemic or hemolyzed; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen.
References

1.Franzen J, Fex G: Low serum apolipoprotein A-1 in acute myocardial infarction survivors with normal HDL cholesterol. Atherosclerosis 1986;

2.Sniderman A, Shapiro S, Marpole D, et al: Association of coronary atherosclerosis with hyperapobetalipoproteinemia (increased protein but normal cholesterol levels in human plasma low density beta lipoproteins. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science USA 1980;77:604-608

The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.