Educational information only. At Precursor, blood testing is requested and reviewed by a clinician and considered alongside your history and other markers, not as a stand-alone diagnosis. Testing is performed in NATA-accredited laboratories to ISO 15189 standards.

What is Apolipoprotein A1?

Apolipoprotein A1, or ApoA1, is the main structural protein of HDL, your 'good' cholesterol. It is essential to how HDL forms and does its job of collecting excess cholesterol and returning it to the liver. In effect, ApoA1 reflects how well your protective cholesterol system is built and functioning.

Why it matters

ApoA1 is most valuable read alongside ApoB. The ratio of ApoB to ApoA1 compares the particles that drive plaque against those that clear it, and is a useful, well-studied summary of cardiovascular risk. On its own, ApoA1 adds nuance to a standard lipid panel.

What your results can mean

Lower than optimal

A low ApoA1 suggests less protective HDL function and is associated with higher cardiovascular risk. It often tracks with the same metabolic factors that lower HDL, such as inactivity and insulin resistance.

Within the healthy range

A healthy ApoA1 indicates well-functioning HDL and a more favourable ApoB to ApoA1 ratio, which points to a better balance between plaque-forming and plaque-clearing particles.

Reference ranges in Australia

ApoA1 is reported in grams per litre (g/L), with reference ranges that differ slightly between men and women and between laboratories. Read your result against the range on your own report, and ideally alongside your ApoB.

Test your Apolipoprotein A1 with Precursor

ApoA1 is most useful paired with ApoB. At Precursor it is measured as part of Full Advanced Bloods, a single clinician-reviewed blood draw covering your heart, metabolic, hormonal, kidney, liver, thyroid and nutrient markers together, giving you and your clinician a fuller lipid picture and a baseline to track.