Apolipoprotein B100

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Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Blood test

Overview

Risks

Results

Apolipoprotein B100

Definition:

Apolipoprotein B100 measures the amount of apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100) in the blood.

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Lipoproteins are large complexes of molecules that transport lipids (primarily triglycerides and cholesterols) through the blood. Apolipoproteins are proteins on the surface of the lipoprotein complex that bind to specific enzymes or transport proteins on the cell membranes -- this directs the lipoprotein to the proper site of metabolism. ApoB100 is in an intermediate form of lipoprotein (IDL) and an low density lipoprotein (LDL).

Alternative Names:
ApoB100; Apoprotein B100
How the test is performed:

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children:

The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any bleeding.

How to prepare for the test:

Fasting for 4 - 6 hours may be recommended.

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed:

Most often, this test is performed to help determine the cause of hyperlipidemia (elevated blood lipid levels).

ApoB100 is a form of apoB that occurs in LDL and IDL but not in chylomicrons (large lipoprotein particles that contain apoB48 and other apolipoproteins).