Expanded Lipoprotein Testing, VAP® Cholesterol Test Discussed at National Lipid Association Summer Clinical Lipid Update

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Atherotech Diagnostics Lab will exhibit its VAP® Cholesterol Test in booth 105 at the National Lipid Association (NLA) Summer 2010 Clinical Lipid Update. The meeting takes place August 27-29 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. Expert faculty and thought leaders will share their insights and expand attendees' knowledge of comprehensive lipid testing and emerging therapies for dyslipidemia and related cardiometabolic conditions.

Members of Atherotech's Medical Advisory Board, Michael H. Davidson, M.D., and Peter P. Toth, M.D., Ph.D., will participate in the CME satellite dinner symposium featuring an interactive case-based discussion on tailoring lipid therapy in patients with multiple comorbidities, "Personalizing Lipid Management: An Evidence-Based Best Practices™ Program."

Atherotech's VAP Cholesterol Test is the only expanded lipid test that routinely reports directly measured LDL-C, which is included in the 22 separate components of cholesterol — all reported at no additional cost. Cholesterol subclasses include Lp(a), apoB, apoA1, and the apoB/apoA1 ratio, making the VAP Test the only lipid profile that routinely reports all three lipid parameters — LDL, non-HDL and apoB — considered necessary by the American Diabetes Association and American College of Cardiology. The comprehensive lipid profile also identifies markers of metabolic syndrome, often associated with early diabetes.

The NLA Summer Clinical Update presents the latest lipid science available and tools on how to apply it to clinical practice. In addition to lipidologists, cardiologists and family practitioners, obstetricians and gynecologists nationwide are using the VAP Test to diagnose emerging lipid risks and manage treatment for cardiovascular risk in women.

"Women are an under-diagnosed population at risk of heart disease. OBGYNs are recognizing this and implementing comprehensive lipoprotein testing into their practices," Atherotech Chief Medical Officer Michael E. Cobble, M.D., said. "The VAP lipid profile shows the pathophysiology of lipids, so a practitioner can make educated and guided lipid management choices."

Atherotech provides physicians 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.

Atherotech representatives will be available to discuss new research, the VAP Test and cardiometabolic test options throughout the conference. Blood draws will be provided to qualified attendees during regular exhibit hours. Unlike the standard lipid profile, the VAP Test directly measures LDL, therefore fasting is not required.

For more information on the NLA Summer 2010 Clinical Lipid Update, visit www.lipid.org/summerclu. For information on the VAP Test, visit www.atherotech.com or call 877.901.8510.

About Atherotech Diagnostics Lab

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. 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.atherotech.com.

SOURCE Atherotech Diagnostics Lab