HDL Map (with apoA-I)

Catalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.

What this laboratory test evaluates

For more than forty years, total circulating HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) has been used as a primary indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, HDL is comprised of subpopulations of different sizes, composition and characteristics that impact cardiovascular risk in drastically different ways.

Data from the Framingham Heart Study, Framingham Offspring Study, Veterans Affairs HDL Cholesterol Intervention Trial (VA-HIT) and HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (HATS) have shown that HDL subpopulations are significantly better predictors of CVD risk than HDL-C values alone.

The Boston Heart HDL Map® is the only test available that quantifies the amount of apoA-I in the five most significant subpopulations, resulting in a deeper understanding of a patient’s CVD risk. This exclusive method provides healthcare providers with an accurate and consistent indication of reverse cholesterol transport by separating the larger, cardioprotective particles most associated with decreased CVD risk from the smaller HDL particles associated with increased risk. Healthcare providers can use this information to determine the most effective treatment strategy, as well as monitor response to therapy.

Additional test information

Boston Heart’s exclusive HDL Map® test quantifies the amount of ApoA-1 in the five most significant subpopulations resulting in a deeper understanding of a patient’s CVD risk than looking at HDL-C alone. Larger particles are most associated with decreased CVD risk and the smaller particles are associated with increased risk.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Plasma
• Fasting: Yes
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should arrive 14 business days after the lab receives samples.

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.