What the laboratory reports, what the seller markets, and which one the evidence supports.

Every atherogenic lipoprotein particle carries exactly one apoB molecule, so an apoB measurement is a direct count of the particles capable of depositing cholesterol in an artery wall.

An LDL-like particle with an additional apolipoprotein(a) tail. Concentration is set almost entirely by inherited genetics and is stable across your lifetime.

The mass of cholesterol carried inside low-density lipoprotein particles. On most panels this is calculated from other values rather than measured directly.

Cholesterol carried in high-density lipoprotein particles.

Circulating fat carried mainly in VLDL and chylomicron particles.

An amino acid intermediate whose concentration reflects folate, B12, and B6 status as well as kidney function and genetics.

The proportion of hemoglobin that has been non-enzymatically glycated, reflecting average glucose exposure over roughly the preceding three months.

Blood glucose concentration after an overnight fast.

Circulating insulin concentration after an overnight fast.

A calculated index combining fasting glucose and fasting insulin into a single estimate of insulin resistance.

The end product of purine metabolism, cleared primarily by the kidneys.

An acute-phase protein produced by the liver, measured with an assay sensitive enough to resolve the low concentrations relevant to cardiovascular risk.

The pituitary signal instructing the thyroid to produce hormone. It rises when the body senses insufficient thyroid hormone.

The unbound, biologically active fraction of the more potent thyroid hormone.

Total circulating testosterone, the large majority of which is protein-bound and not biologically available.

The circulating storage form of vitamin D, reflecting combined intake and sun exposure over recent weeks.

The body's primary iron storage protein, used as a proxy for total iron stores.

The proportion of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes, reflecting omega-3 intake over roughly the preceding four months.

Total serum B12, most of which is bound to a protein that does not deliver it to tissues.

A liver enzyme released into circulation when hepatocytes are damaged. It is relatively liver-specific.

An enzyme concentrated in the liver and biliary tract, sensitive to alcohol and to enzyme-inducing medications.

An estimate of kidney filtration derived from serum creatinine together with age and sex, using a standard equation.