Cholesterol & Lipid Test
Order our at-home cholesterol test with ApoB & Lp(a). Professional lipid panel with ApoB for deep heart health insights. CLIA-certified lab results in 1-3 days.
Product details: USD 99 — InStock — SKU gettested_cholesterol_and_lipid_test — GetTested
About this test
ApoB and Lipid Particle Context
Traditional lipid markers such as LDL and total cholesterol reflect the amount of cholesterol in the blood, but do not directly indicate the number of lipoprotein particles.
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is found on atherogenic lipoproteins and reflects the number of particles that can contribute to plaque formation. Measuring ApoB alongside standard lipids provides additional context when assessing cardiovascular risk.
Lipoprotein(a) – An Inherited Marker
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a genetically influenced marker that is not typically included in standard lipid testing.
Lp(a) levels tend to remain relatively stable over time and are not significantly affected by lifestyle factors. Measuring Lp(a) can provide additional insight into inherited aspects of cardiovascular risk.
Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Collection
The test uses a dried blood spot (DBS) sample collected at home using a finger-prick method.
A few drops of blood are placed on a collection card, which is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Understanding CLIA Certification
Your sample is analyzed in a CLIA-certified laboratory, ensuring that testing is performed according to established U.S. quality standards using validated methods.
Who Should Consider This Test
This test is relevant for individuals who want a more detailed assessment of lipid levels beyond standard cholesterol testing.
It may be particularly useful when exploring cardiovascular risk factors, family history, or when monitoring lipid levels over time.
Biomarkers included
- Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. Your body uses triglycerides for energy, but high levels can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems. They are primarily measured to assess cardiovascular health and metabolic risk.
- Total Cholesterol: Total cholesterol is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL (bad), HDL (good), and other lipid components. While it provides a general overview of cholesterol levels, it's important to consider the individual levels of LDL and HDL for a more complete assessment of cardiovascular risk. High total cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that contains an additional protein called apolipoprotein(a) which makes it highly atherogenic. Elevated Lp(a) levels are largely genetically determined and are an independent, causal risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke, even in people with otherwise normal cholesterol levels. It's important because
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is a type of cholesterol often referred to as “good” cholesterol. It helps protect heart health by carrying excess cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver, where it can be removed from the body. Higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is a type of cholesterol often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. It carries cholesterol particles through the bloodstream, and high levels can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. This buildup, known as atherosclerosis, can narrow and stiffen arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- ApoB: Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the main structural protein found on atherogenic (“bad” cholesterol–carrying) lipoproteins, including LDL, VLDL, IDL, and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. Each of these particles typically contains one ApoB molecule, which makes ApoB a practical measure of the total number of atherogenic particles in the bloodstream. Elevated ApoB levels indicate a higher concentration of particl
How to prepare
High-accuracy testing requires a 9-12 hour fast. Only water is permitted; avoid coffee, tea, or food before collection.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before using the at-home cholesterol test?
To ensure the highest accuracy for your lipid panel with ApoB, specifically for Triglyceride measurements, you must fast for 9 to 12 hours before collecting your sample. You may drink plain water during this time.
How accurate is this cardiovascular biomarkers kit compared to a doctor's visit?
The GetTested cardiovascular biomarkers kit uses Dried Blood Spot (DBS) technology. These samples are processed in CLIA-certified labs and have shown high correlation with traditional venous blood draws, providing clinical-level precision from a simple finger prick.
Why should I choose an ApoB test kit and Lp(a) blood test home over a standard test?
Standard tests measure the weight of cholesterol (LDL-C), but an ApoB test kit measures the number of particles that cause arterial plaque. Lp(a) is a genetic marker that indicates inherited risk. Together, they provide a much more comprehensive view of heart health than a basic cholesterol test.
How long does it take to get results?
Once your sample reaches our CLIA-certified laboratory, results are typically processed and delivered to your digital dashboard within 1 to 3 business days, significantly faster than the industry average.
Customer reviews
4.8/5 (5)
- 5/5 — Super easy to do at home and saved me a trip to the lab. Results were easy to read on the dashboard too.
- 5/5 — Very efficient process from start to finish.
- 5/5 — Glad I could finally check my Lp(a) levels without a hassle.
- 4/5 — Results came back fast, though the finger prick took a couple tries to get enough blood. Easy to follow instructions.
- 5/5 — The ApoB data is exactly what I needed for my heart health tracking.