Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism - APOE Haplotypes (E2/E3/E4)
Understand your inherited cholesterol and Alzheimer's risk profile.
What’s tested
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Mondays onlyApolipoprotein E (APOE) is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein involved in the transport and metabolism of cholesterol and other lipids in the body. APOE has several common polymorphisms, or variations, that affect its function.
This test uses Real-Time PCR to detect the three most common APOE polymorphisms: ε2, ε3, and ε4. These polymorphisms affect the structure of the APOE protein and can have different effects on lipid metabolism and risk for certain diseases.
The Three Alleles
- ε3 — The most common variant, considered to have a neutral effect on lipid metabolism and disease risk.
- ε2 — Associated with lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, but also with an increased risk for type 3 hyperlipoproteinaemia, a rare lipid disorder.
- ε4 — Associated with higher levels of LDL cholesterol and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurological disorders.
The Six Genotypes and Associated Risks
| Genotype — | Cardiovascular — | Alzheimer |
|---|---|---|
| E2/E2 | Low risk | Low risk |
| E2/E3 | Low risk | Below average risk |
| E2/E4 | Mixed | Increased risk |
| E3/E3 | Neutral | Average risk |
| E3/E4 | Increased risk | ~3× average risk |
| E4/E4 | High risk | ~8–12× average risk |
No special fasting required. Drink plenty of water prior to your appointment for a smooth blood draw.
- Identification: Photo ID (Passport or Driving Licence) is only required if you need your report for official, employment, visa/travel, premarital, or Identity-Verified Certificate (IVS) purposes (not required for personal health & wellness testing).
This test provides an official, quality-assured laboratory report with reference ranges. These results are for clinical information and do not replace your GP or consultant. Always discuss abnormal results with your GP or specialist in the context of your medical history.
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