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Apolipoprotein E (APOE) (for early dementia)
Blood test
No alcohol 24 hours
No food 12 hours
Results 5 days
£ 180
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) (for early dementia)
Why would I take this test?
This test detects the presence of the APOE4 variant, which is associated with increased risk of age-related dementia and Alzheimer's.
This test is only available with your consultant’s referral.
This test detects the presence of the APOE4 variant, which is associated with increased risk of age-related cognitive (thinking, reasoning, and remembering) decline, in particular Alzheimer's disease affecting people over the age of 60.
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a major cholesterol carrier that supports lipid transport and injury repair in the brain.
Testing may also be considered for patients with dementia to supplement information from clinical and other evaluations.
How a test is done?
Our phlebotomist will tie a rubber band to your upper arm to make the veins more visible. They will swab to clean the arm, then a sterile needle attached to a tube is gently inserted into the vein and the blood is drawn into a vial (or vials if more than one test has been requested). Only one needle is used regardless of the number of tests or vials requested. The needle is removed, a plaster applied, and it’s done. You might get a small bruise around the needle mark.
Please wear loose clothing (for easy access to your arm) and let us know a preferred arm.
You can continue to take regular medication but check with your doctor whether any of your medications may affect test results.
It's easier to draw blood when:
you are hydrated – please drink some water, especially in hot weather and for morning blood draws
you are warm – please keep warm before the test
Fasting
Fasting is required.
A fasting test means:
nothing to eat or drink, other than water, for 12 hours before the test
no alcohol for 24 hours before the test
you can continue to take regular medication but check with your doctor whether any of your medications may affect test results
Can I have someone with me?
Of course, if that makes you more comfortable, you may have a friend or relative accompany you during a test.
When will I get my results?
Results returned in 5 days.
What can this test detect?
This test detects the presence of the APOE4 variant, which is associated with increased risk of age-related cognitive (thinking, reasoning, and remembering) decline, in particular Alzheimer's disease affecting people over the age of 60.
How do I get my results?
The certified laboratory report is emailed to us, and we can either:
email it directly to you
email it directly to you and/or to your GP. We will need your written consent to share any test results, but we will discuss this with you when you book your appointment
give it to you in person at the clinic