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The PTS LDL cholesterol test is a direct determination of LDL
(bad cholesterol), there is no requirement for your patient to fast
from food. All other LDL tests available today are either calculated
estimates that require 8-12 hours of patient fasting. This is not
practical nor is it assured in many cases. These other tests are
usually relatively expensive, laboratory-based direct LDL tests
(which require a venipunture sample and usually 1-3 days for
results.
CPT Code - 83721 QW
This new LDL test strip works only on CardioChek PA Analyzers. It
requires only 15ul of finger stick or venous blood and produces a
result in under 2 minutes. Accuracy is comparable to laboratory
methods. The Clinical importance of LDL is significant. LDL is the
"Bad Cholesterol" that clogs arteries and is the focus of most
lipid-lowering diet, exercise and drug therapies.
The PTS LDL Cholesterol test panels will be used to estimate
your risk of heart disease developing. Your LDL cholesterol is
considered the most important form in determining risk of heart
disease. LDL, total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides make up
your cholesterol profile. A profile is usually done for Health
or Life Insurance, a physical exam, or if you have a history of
High Total Cholesterol. High levels of LDL Cholesterol are
indicators for heart disease risk. Different froms of treatment
are used to lower the LDL levels until you reach your target
value:
- LDL less than 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L) if you
have heart disease or diabetes.
- LDL less than 130 mg/dL (3.37 mmol/L) if you
have 2 or more risk factors*.
- LDL less than 160 mg/dL (4.14 mmol/L) if you
have 0 or 1 risk factor*.
RISK FACTORS:
Cigarette smoking, Age (male 45 years or older or a
female 55 years or older), Low HDL levels (less than 40
mg/dL), Hypertension (140/90 or higher blood
pressure), or a Family history of early heart disease
LDL levels are generally low during an illness,
after a heart attack, stress from surgery or an
accident, and pregnancy. After six weeks you should
be able to test your LDL cholesterol again.
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