LDL and its major protein, apolipoprotein B, play an essential role in lipid transport and metabolism. Apo B may regulate cholesterol synthesis through its interaction with specific cell membrane receptors and by inhibition of HMG Co A reductase. This enzyme has been identified as the rate controlling enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Apo B may be important in the genesis of atherosclerosis and its quantitation useful in the evaluation of patients at risk for or having coronary atherosclerosis (CAD). High levels indicate increased risk for CAD.
Patient should fast 12 - 14 hours prior to specimen collection
Gold:
Lavender/Dk green:
Gold serum separator (SST) tube
Ambient (preferred) - 14 days
Refrigerated - 14 days
Frozen - 14 days
Freeze/thaw cycles - stable x 3
Immunologic
Desirable: < 90 mg/dL
Borderline High: 90 - 99 mg/dL
High: 100 - 130 mg/dL
Very High: > 130 mg/dL