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Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) Unit Converter
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the primary structural protein found on all potentially atherogenic lipoprotein particles, including LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), VLDL, IDL, and Lipoprotein(a). Crucially, there is exactly one ApoB molecule per particle. This makes the serum ApoB concentration a direct measure of the total number of atherogenic particles in circulation, often considered a more accurate predictor of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk than LDL-Cholesterol.[Image of lipoprotein structure with apolipoproteins]
While LDL-C measures the cholesterol mass carried by particles, it can be misleading in patients with small, dense LDL or metabolic syndrome. In these cases, cholesterol mass may be normal while the particle count (ApoB) is dangerously high (discordance). Clinical guidelines increasingly recommend ApoB targets for high-risk patients. This converter allows seamless switching between the international standard (g/L), the US clinical standard (mg/dL), and molar units representing particle concentration.
SI Units
RecommendedGrams per liter (SI) or Micromoles per liter.
Conventional Units
Clinical Context
ApoB targets are often used for patients on lipid-lowering therapy. For high-risk patients, optimal levels are generally < 0.80 g/L (80 mg/dL), and for very high-risk patients, < 0.65 g/L (65 mg/dL).
Elevated ApoB indicates a higher burden of atherogenic particles, even if LDL-C is normal. The conversion factor is based on the molecular weight of ApoB-100 (~512 kDa): 1 g/L ≈ 1.95 µmol/L.
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to get accurate clinical conversions instantly.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., mg/dL). You can use either dot or comma decimals.
Automatic Conversion
The calculator works in real-time. As you type in one field, all other units (like g/L or µmol/L) are instantly updated.
Verify Units
Check the SI Units section. g/L is the standard for proteins, but µmol/L gives particle count info.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields before starting a new calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
Yes, mg/dL and mg% are equivalent. However, g/L is the preferred SI unit for apolipoproteins.
ApoB concentration (in µmol/L) is a direct chemical measure of LDL particle number (LDL-P), which is often measured by NMR spectroscopy.