What Are Lipid Particle Panels?

A lipid particle panel is a blood test. It gives a deeper look at cholesterol. It shows the size, type, and number of particles—things a basic lipid panel blood test can miss.

This test helps doctors find hidden heart risk disease, even when standard numbers look normal.

It includes:

  • LDL particle number
  • Cholesterol particle size test
  • Lipoprotein subfractions
  • Non-HDL cholesterol test
  • Apo B test
  • Lipoprotein (a) test
  • Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins

This is often called an advanced lipid panel or advanced cholesterol test.

Why Lipid Particle Panels Matter

Standard cholesterol tests only show totals. But heart risk isn’t just about how much cholesterol you have. It’s also about how it’s packed and how it moves.

Small, dense particles can be more dangerous. Some people with normal LDL levels still have many harmful particles.

This is where the advanced lipid profile helps. It shows:

  • If LDL particles are too small
  • How many particles you have
  • If apolipoprotein B is high
  • If your risk is higher than it looks

These details matter, especially if you have:

  • A family history of heart disease
  • Past heart attacks with “normal” cholesterol
  • Ongoing inflammation
  • Diabetes or high blood pressure
Lipid Particle Panels

What’s in an Advanced Lipid Panel?

These tests go beyond the basics. They often include:

  • LDL particle number

  • HDL particle size

  • Apolipoprotein B (apo B)

  • Lipoprotein (a)

  • Cholesterol subfraction test

  • Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins

  • Sometimes, an Advanced Lipid Panel with Inflammation

This testing can help guide care when other results are unclear. It’s also used to track progress when you’re trying to lower heart risk.

Learn more about our advanced cardiovascular testing.

How It’s Done

Lipid particle panels are a simple blood test. Most doctors ask you to fast for 8–12 hours. This helps get the most accurate results.

Why is lipid profile test done in fasting?

Because food can raise your triglyceride levels, which affects the test accuracy.

Where Can I Get One?

This lipid particle panels test is available through many labs. People often search ‘Advanced lipid profile test near me’.

Ask your provider if they offer this. Costs vary by location and insurance.

Advanced lipid profile test cost depends on the lab and what’s included.

This is where BaleDoneen can assist with Lipid Particle Panels.

We use advanced testing to find hidden risks in your cholesterol. Then we create a care plan based on your results—not just averages.

How to Read the Results

Advanced lipid particle panels interpretation looks at more than just high or low. It checks:

  • Are your LDL particles too small or too many?
  • Is your apo B level high?
  • Is your lipoprotein (a) at risk levels?

  • Do you have too many dense cholesterol particles?

Even people with “normal” total cholesterol may be at risk if these numbers are off.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a lipid particle test?

Why is lipid profile test done in fasting?

Advanced lipid testing: when, why, and in whom?

Act Early. Know Your Real Risk.

Standard tests can miss hidden heart risks. A lipid particle panel shows more. The BaleDoneen Method uses this testing to catch early warning signs before a heart attack or stroke happens.