Automated Cholesterol Test Showcased for Cardiologists

An expanded lipid profile assay performed on whole blood has been demonstrated to heart specialist at a conference using qualified attendees own samples.

The blood test directly measures low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDLc), without the patient having to fast, as well as 22 other cholesterol components.

The Vertical Auto Profile (VAP) Cholesterol Test components include lipoprotein A, (Lp(a)), apolipoprotein B, (apoB), apolipoprotein A1,(ApoA1), and the apoB/apoA1 ratio, making the VAP Test the only lipid profile that routinely reports all three lipid parameters, LDL, non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apoB. These three lipid parameters are considered essential diagnostic parameters by the American College of Cardiology (ACC, Washington DC, USA), and the American Diabetes Association (Alexandria, VA, USA).

The comprehensive lipid profile also identifies markers of metabolic syndrome, often associated with early diabetes. The VAP Cholesterol Test is produced by Atherotech Diagnostics Lab (Birmingham, AL, USA), and provides clinicians with a single source for more than a dozen cardiovascular and metabolic tests. These include: high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2), apolipoprotein E (apoE) genotype, the N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cystatin C, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) when the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is abnormal, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), a recognized cardiovascular risk biomarker.

The VAP Cholesterol Test was exhibited to participants at the American College of Cardiology's 60th Annual Scientific Sessions held April 2-5, 2011, in New Orleans, LA, USA. Michael V. Mullen, president and chief executive officer of Atherotech, said,"Atherotech invited ACC attendees to learn about our battery of cardiodiagnostic tests and learn firsthand the predictive power of the VAP Test."

Related Links:
Atherotech Diagnostics Lab
American College of Cardiology
American Diabetes Association