ApoB vs Lp(a): what each test measures and what it costs
ApoB and Lp(a) are two blood tests that cardiovascular guidelines discuss alongside the standard cholesterol panel. They measure different things and are used differently. Here is what each measures, what guidelines say, and what each costs at the sellers we track (checked Oct 20, 2026).
| ApoB | Lp(a) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it measures | Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) in blood. | Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in blood. |
| In a standard cholesterol panel? | No; a standard panel reports total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol | No; its cholesterol is counted within the LDL cholesterol result (EAS 2022) |
| How often guidelines discuss measuring | In risk assessment, particularly in some groups (ESC/EAS 2019) | At least once in adulthood (ESC/EAS 2019, EAS 2022, NLA 2024) |
| Units | mg/dL | mg/dL or nmol/L, not directly convertible |
| Our evidence level | Established | Established |
| Prices we track | $17.20–$89 (9 listings) | $23.10–$69 (9 listings) |
How ApoB and Lp(a) are related
ApoB (apolipoprotein B) is a protein carried on LDL and other cholesterol-carrying particles. The 2022 European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) consensus statement explains that "similar to LDL, Lp(a) is an apoB-containing lipoprotein but the number of circulating particles is much lower", and that "cholesterol contained in Lp(a) particles cannot be separated from that in LDL particles and is therefore collectively reported as LDL-C concentration." So an ApoB result includes Lp(a) particles, but cannot show how much of it is Lp(a); a separate Lp(a) test measures that.
What guidelines say about ApoB
The 2019 ESC/EAS dyslipidaemia guideline recommends ApoB analysis for cardiovascular risk assessment, particularly in people with high triglycerides, diabetes, obesity or metabolic syndrome, or very low LDL cholesterol, and says it can be used as an alternative to LDL cholesterol (Class I, Level C). The 2018 AHA/ACC cholesterol guideline lists ApoB of 130 mg/dL or higher, if measured in selected individuals, as a risk-enhancing factor, with high triglycerides as a relative indication for measuring it.
What guidelines say about Lp(a)
The 2019 ESC/EAS guideline says Lp(a) measurement should be considered at least once in each adult's lifetime to identify very high inherited levels (Class IIa, Level C). The 2022 EAS consensus statement says Lp(a) "should be measured at least once in adults", and that Lp(a) concentration "is predominantly (>90%) determined by genetic variability at the LPA locus." A 2024 National Lipid Association update found "sufficient evidence to support the recommendation to measure Lp(a) levels at least once in every adult for risk stratification." The 2018 AHA/ACC guideline lists Lp(a) of 50 mg/dL or 125 nmol/L or higher as a risk-enhancing factor, with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease as a relative indication for measuring it.
On units, the EAS statement "does not recommend using a standard factor to convert between mg/dL and nmol/L, as assays vary extensively", so compare results in the unit the lab reports. This page summarizes guidelines and is not advice about testing or results; talk with a clinician.
What do they cost?
At the sellers we track, ApoB ran $17.20–$89 (9 listings; lowest open to the public $17.20, Own Your Labs) and Lp(a) $23.10–$69 (9 listings; lowest open to the public $27.74, Mito Health (non-member price)), including listed fees. Ordered together from one seller, the lowest combined price we found was $52.40 at Own Your Labs, counting a per-order fee once. For the full set of standard tests, see longevity panel cost.
Compare prices
Sources
- Mach F, Baigent C, et al. 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias. Eur Heart J. 2020;41(1):111-188. https://eas-society.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2019_dyslipidaemias_guidelin.pdf
- Grundy SM, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: Executive Summary. Circulation. 2019;139:e1046. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7403606/
- Kronenberg F, et al. Lipoprotein(a) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis: a European Atherosclerosis Society consensus statement. Eur Heart J. 2022;43(39):3925-3946. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9639807/
- Koschinsky ML, et al. A focused update to the 2019 NLA scientific statement on use of lipoprotein(a) in clinical practice. J Clin Lipidol. 2024;18(3):e308-e319. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38565461/
Sources checked 2026-10-19. Prices are from our price tables and update when we re-check sellers.
Informational only, not medical advice. See about & disclaimer.
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