Atherotech's Advanced Lipid Profile Featured in Lipoprotein and Epidemiology Research at ACC 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Atherotech Inc. today announced it will be presenting research in two poster sessions and exhibiting its VAP® Cholesterol Test in booth #1311 at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 59th Annual Scientific Session Exposition. The annual meeting takes place March 14-16, 2010, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.  

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091228/LA30526)

The VAP (Vertical Auto Profile) Test, which identifies a far greater number of people at risk for heart disease than standard cholesterol tests, was utilized in independent investigator-sponsored research to be presented at the conference. This research is being presented at the Sub-classes of Lipoproteins session and the Epidemiology session in Hall B of the Georgia World Congress Center.

"The VAP Test continues to prove its value in the laboratory as an analytical research tool and in thousands of doctors' offices across the U.S. as a direct-measured, comprehensive lipid assessment," said Atherotech Chief Medical Officer Michael Cobble, M.D.

Poster presentation 1075-103 titled "Subfractions As Predictors of Angiographic Coronary Artery Disease Among Those With Normal and Abnormal LDL Levels" is being presented from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 14. Poster presentation 1128-96 "Apolipoprotein AI Predicts Future Death and Myocardial Infarction in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography Even When They Have Normal Baseline HDL Levels" is being presented from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 15. Both presentations are moderated by Heidi T. May, Ph.D., M.S.P.H., an epidemiologist at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah.

Information related to the above presentations is embargoed until the time of scientific presentation. Additional information will be presented at the scientific session.

Atherotech representatives will be available to discuss the VAP Cholesterol Test in booth #1311, and blood draws will be provided to qualified attendees during regular exhibit hours. Because LDL is directly measured, fasting is not required. Test results will be returned to individuals via mail after the ACC conference. However, results for individuals tested Sunday will be available at the Atherotech booth Tuesday prior to the end of the conference.

The VAP Test reports 22 separate components of cholesterol and is covered by Medicare and most private insurance carriers. Unlike other lipid profiles, the VAP Test includes Lp(a) at no additional cost, and reports all three lipoprotein parameters -- LDL, non-HDL and apoB -- considered necessary by the expert consensus guidelines issued by the American Diabetes Association and American College of Cardiology. The VAP Test also identifies markers of metabolic syndrome, which is frequently associated with early diabetes, and is the only single cholesterol test that routinely reports apoAI, apoB and the apoB/apoAI ratio.

Atherotech now provides physicians and cardiology practices with a single source for the VAP Cholesterol Test and more than a dozen cardiovascular and metabolic tests. Cardiometabolic testing available through Atherotech includes C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP), LpPLA2, ApoE genotype, NT-proBNP, Cystatin-C, T3 and T4 when TSH is abnormal, plus gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), a recognized cardiovascular risk biomarker.

The VAP Test is available nationwide. For more information call 877.901.8510 or visit www.thevaptest.com.

About Atherotech Inc.

Atherotech is a CLIA-certified clinical reference laboratory and cardiodiagnostic company focusing on cardiometabolic tests, including the company's patented VAP Cholesterol Test, which reports the cholesterol content of all lipids, components and subclasses. The VAP Test is the first cholesterol profile to comply with updated National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III recommendations for direct LDL measurement, which is accurate with non-fasting samples. It is the only advanced lipid profile that routinely reports all three lipoprotein parameters considered necessary by the American Diabetes Association and American College of Cardiology expert consensus guidelines. The VAP Test is available through national and regional diagnostic laboratories and is reimbursed by many of the largest private insurers as well as Medicare. For more information, visit www.thevaptest.com.

SOURCE Atherotech Inc.