Quest Diagnostics moves to more accurate, nonfasting cholesterol tests

U.S. based provider of diagnostic information services, Quest Diagnostics has recently announced that all of the company's cholesterol test services that involve estimates of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) now use a novel calculation shown to improve the accuracy of testing for levels of LDL-C, a key marker of risk of cardiovascular disease.   

The method also has the advantage of not requiring the patient to fast from food for several hours prior to a blood draw, enhancing the patient experience. 

The calculation, which is not affected by recent food intake, is based on an internationally recognized formula from cardiologist Seth Martin, M.D., assistant professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. It is designed to replace the Friedewald calculation, which has been the standard method used by laboratories for LDL-C analysis in cholesterol testing in the United States since 1972.

The development is the result of a license agreement between Quest Diagnostics and the Johns Hopkins University.

Eliot A. Brinton, president, Utah Lipid Center in Salt Lake City, member of the board of directors of the National Lipid Association, and past president of the American Board of Clinical Lipidology said, "This new approach from Quest Diagnostics, the largest national laboratory provider, means millions of patients will have broad access to a more accurate method of assessing their risk for, and aiding treatment of, cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death and disability in the United States."

"It replaces an outmoded approach to estimating levels of the bad cholesterol, LDL. Although that method has been the standard for 45 years, it is inaccurate and misleading in many cases, especially when the patient is not fasting. The old method is being replaced with a more precise view of a patient's LDL-C, which does not require an overnight fast", he added.

Jay Wohlgemuth, senior vice president, R&D, Medical, and chief medical officer, Quest Diagnostics said, "Our improved LDL cholesterol analysis reflects the Quest commitment to provide the broadest access to diagnostic innovation and actionable health insights, but it's also about providing a better consumer experience and greater convenience."

"Fasting for eight to 12 hours visiting a patient service center for a blood draw in the morning is challenging and may deter many patients from participating in lipid testing. Now, millions of people no longer have to go through this process to receive a reliable lipid test result through Quest Diagnostics", he added.