Advanced Lipid Panel: What It Tests and Costs

It depends on the lab, because each lab builds its own bundle. A standard panel measures total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides, with LDL usually calculated. Advanced panels add some mix of ApoB, Lp(a), LDL particle number and size, and HDL particle measures. Some add inflammation markers such as hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2, or an insulin resistance score.

The Quest Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel includes ApoB, Lp(a), and an ion mobility test that reports LDL particle number and size. The Labcorp NMR LipoProfile counts particles by nuclear magnetic resonance and reports LDL-P, HDL particle number, and an insulin resistance score. It leaves out ApoB and Lp(a), so you add those separately.

ApoB and Lp(a) carry the strongest evidence. Every plaque-forming particle (LDL, VLDL, Lp(a)) carries one ApoB, so ApoB works as a particle count, and it matters most with high triglycerides, diabetes, or a very low LDL on treatment.

Lp(a) is an inherited particle that raises risk of heart attack, stroke, and aortic valve narrowing, and about 1 in 5 people have a high level.

The 2026 ACC/AHA guideline recommends measuring Lp(a) at least once in every adult. It calls ApoB reasonable for people on treatment, especially those with heart disease, diabetes, kidney and metabolic conditions, or high triglycerides, and possibly reasonable to sharpen risk assessment before treatment.

Rarely. Small, dense LDL travels with high triglycerides and insulin resistance. In large studies, once researchers account for total particle number and triglycerides, the extra risk tied to size mostly fades.

The 2026 guideline recommends against routine testing of lipoprotein subclasses and particle size. The count matters, and the size rarely changes the plan. HDL particle measures, Lp-PLA2, and GlycA likewise rarely change treatment. hs-CRP can help in one narrow case: borderline risk, no statin yet, and a close treatment decision.

Both estimate how many plaque-forming particles you carry, and they line up closely in most people. ApoB is one standardized test that most labs run at low cost, so results mean roughly the same across labs. LDL-P comes from NMR or ion mobility, and those counts are not interchangeable between methods.

Consumer prices below were listed on each company's site as of October 2026 (list prices, not cash-discount rates):

Parts of it may be covered. Many insurers cover Lp(a) once and ApoB in certain situations, while particle size and subclass tests are often considered investigational. Aetna's policy (Clinical Policy Bulletin 0381, checked October 2026) lists the NMR LipoProfile, LDL subspecies testing, Lp-PLA2, and GlycA as experimental. Check with your plan first.

Labcorp asks for an 8 to 12 hour fast for the NMR LipoProfile, and Quest Health recommends 8 to 12 hours for its Advanced Heart Health panel. ApoB and Lp(a) on their own are not much affected by meals. Follow the instructions on your order.