Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)

What this test is

ApoB is a protein found on the 'bad' cholesterol particles in your blood. It counts how many of these particles you have. That number can matter more than how much cholesterol sits inside them. Most people just need a regular cholesterol test. ApoB is more useful when your triglycerides, a type of blood fat, run high. It is also useful if you have diabetes or carry extra weight. In those cases, regular cholesterol numbers can look better than your real risk. If none of that fits you, your normal cholesterol test is likely enough. Ask your doctor if ApoB makes sense for you, especially if your triglycerides have run high before.