Testing ยท Jantung

Advanced Lipid Panel and Omega-3

ApoB, Lp(a), particle count and the omega-3 index, beyond basic cholesterol.

  • OrderedAfter consultation
  • ResultsRead in a separate session
Book Consultation WhatsApp Us

Reviewed by Dr Shazif Othman · MMC 62699

Labelled blood sample tubes in a laboratory rack

Why this test is orderedWeight & MetabolismHeart & Circulation

Quick Answer

A basic lipid profile gives totals. The advanced panel tells you particle number and size, which track risk more closely.

A basic lipid profile gives you four numbers: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. An advanced lipid panel goes further by measuring particle number and size, because two people with identical LDL can carry very different cardiovascular risk depending on how many particles carry that cholesterol.

The omega-3 index and why we measure it

The omega-3 index shows what percentage of the fatty acids in your red cell membranes are EPA and DHA. It reflects the last three to four months of intake rather than yesterday. Low levels are common in populations that eat little oily fish. This number is useful precisely because you can change it through diet or supplements, then measure again to confirm the change actually happened.

The details

This test is ordered after a consultation, and the results are read with you in a separate session.

Sample
Blood
Fasting
9 to 12 hours
Location
Damansara Perdana and I-City
Book Consultation
Katil pemeriksaan di bilik rawatan iLIV Clinic Damansara

How this test runs

  1. 01Fast nine to twelve hoursFor accurate triglycerides. ApoB and Lp(a) do not need fasting, although we draw everything at once to reduce the number of needle sticks.
  2. 02Avoid alcohol for twenty-four hoursIt raises triglycerides markedly. If you have just recovered from a fever or infection, wait two weeks, because acute inflammation shifts lipid levels.
  3. 03Targets are set by overall riskWe set your ApoB target according to overall risk rather than applying one number to everyone, and read results alongside blood pressure, smoking status, family history and a metabolic assessment.

Swipe to see all steps

Why a basic panel is not enough

LDL on a standard reportApoB
What it countsCholesterol inside LDL particlesThe particles themselves, directly
LDL 3.0 carried by a few large particlesLooks the sameDistinguished
LDL 3.0 carried by many small dense onesLooks the sameDistinguished, and this carries higher risk
Why it mattersCannot be readEvery particle is another chance to enter the artery wall
Ruang menunggu iLIV Clinic Damansara dengan kerusi santai
Ruang menunggu iLIV I-City dengan sofa dan meja kopi
Meja di ruang kafe iLIV I-City
Lounge by the window at iLIV I-City
Ruang menunggu iLIV I-City dengan logo pada dinding
Logo iLIV pada dinding ruang menunggu di cawangan Damansara Perdana
Treatment room corridor at iLIV I-City
Treatment chair at iLIV I-City
Interpretation

How we use advanced lipid panel results

We set your ApoB target according to overall risk rather than applying one number to everyone. We read results alongside blood pressure, smoking status, family history and a metabolic assessment. For a radiation-free cardiac check, see MCG cardiac screening, and read the heart health pathway. Malaysian lipid guidance comes from the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Book a consultation.

Every iLIV guide is written and reviewed under our editorial standards, and each one carries the name of the reviewing doctor together with their MMC registration number.

Why a basic panel is not enough

The LDL on a standard report counts cholesterol inside LDL particles, not the particles themselves. Someone can have an LDL of 3.0 carried by a few large particles, or the same 3.0 carried by many small dense ones. The second case carries higher risk, since every particle is another chance to enter the artery wall. ApoB counts those particles directly.

  • ApoB: atherogenic particle count, the most consistent risk marker
  • Lp(a): a genetic risk factor, worth measuring once in a lifetime
  • Triglyceride to HDL ratio: a proxy for insulin resistance
  • Omega-3 index: EPA and DHA as a percentage of red cell membrane
  • hs-CRP: low-grade inflammation

Frequently Asked

What is the difference between ApoB and LDL?

LDL measures cholesterol inside particles. ApoB counts the particles, which tracks risk more consistently.

How many times should I measure Lp(a)?

Once in a lifetime is enough. It is genetically set and barely changes.

Do I need to fast?

Yes, nine to twelve hours for accurate triglycerides. Plain water is allowed.

Still have questions?
Send a message. We reply during clinic hours.
WhatsApp Us
iLIV
Reviewed by Dr Shazif Othman, MMC 62699. Updated 7 October 2026.
Information on this page is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Eligibility for any treatment is determined after consultation and testing.
References
  1. Ministry of Health Malaysia
  2. World Health Organization, Cardiovascular diseases

After the results come back

Weight Treatment StagesA structured approach to weight, built after consultation and objective measurement rather than from…Read the treatment pageManaging a PlateauAlready taking GLP-1 but your progress has stopped? The plateau is investigated before anything…Read the treatment pageMaintaining Weight LossA separate phase after weight loss, with periodic measurement and a written plan for…Read the treatment page

The results decide which of these is relevant. Nothing is arranged before the consultation.

Other tests in this area

MCG Cardiac ScreeningNon-invasive heart screening with no radiation, contrast or treadmill. Under ten minutes.Read the test page Gut Microbiome TestA DNA profile of gut bacteria from a stool sample. A map of composition,…Read the test page Vitamin B12 and Homocysteine TestSerum B12 alone can mislead. Homocysteine shows whether cells are genuinely getting enough.Read the test page Cortisol and DHEA TestMorning cortisol and DHEA-S, read against the daily rhythm rather than as a single…Read the test page Ferritin and Iron StudiesFerritin, serum iron and transferrin saturation: iron stores fall before haemoglobin does.Read the test page Vitamin D TestMeasure actual 25(OH)D stores in the blood, not an assumption based on the weather.Read the test page

Start with one conversation

An initial consultation to understand your situation before any testing is recommended.

WhatsApp Us Book a Slot

Damansara Perdana · I-City, Shah Alam · +60 14-801 6493

Standards and compliance

Registered doctors

Every doctor at iLIV is registered with the Malaysian Medical Council. Registration numbers appear on each doctor page and you can verify them on the public register.

Malaysian Medical Council register

Prescription only

GLP-1 therapy is a prescription medicine in Malaysia. It follows a consultation and a medical assessment, and it cannot be bought without a prescription.

Your data

We handle personal information under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, and we use it only for the purpose you gave it to us for.

Privacy policy
SEO optimized by Lesgo Media