Blood lipid measurements: variations and practical utility

Article Abstract:

Blood lipids that may increase the risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis include low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (fats). An individual's levels of blood lipids may be partially determined by genetics. Behavioral factors such as diet, body weight, smoking, exercise, and alcohol intake can affect blood lipid levels. Blood lipid levels may vary depending on metabolic state, secondary diseases and conditions, and illness. These conditions or illnesses include heart attacks, strokes, hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, infections, pregnancy and treatment with transplantation drugs. Environmental factors such as seasonal changes and exposure to toxic chemicals can cause variation in blood lipid levels. A minimum of two samples should be taken from patients to assess blood lipid levels. The accuracy of laboratory results should be confirmed with the National Reference Method Network, a national network of cholesterol reference method laboratories.

Measurement, Lipoproteins, Blood lipoproteins

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Progress in lipid reporting practices and reliability of blood cholesterol measurement in clinical laboratories in Nebraska: efforts to align results with the Centers for Disease Control, and feasibility of meeting National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines

Article Abstract:

Changes in methods of reporting blood lipid levels from 1984 to 1987 were studied in 16 medical laboratories in Nebraska. The precision and accuracy of the laboratories was assessed. Fourteen of the 16 laboratories had altered the range of cholesterol values considered normal; 86 percent had lowered what they considered the upper limit of normal values. Eleven out of the 16 laboratories took patient age into account when calculating normal values in 1987, compared with only seven out of 20 in 1984. None of the laboratories took gender into account when calculating normal values in 1984, but five did so in 1987. Similar trends were seen in the reporting of related substances. Reporting procedures varied greatly, and only one laboratory used the risk level standards of the National Cholesterol Educations Program in reporting total blood cholesterol levels. Fifteen of the laboratories met NCEP standards for precision (number of decimal places) and 78 percent met NCEP standards for accuracy (within five percent of true value).

Analysis, Evaluation, Testing, Medical laboratories, Biomedical laboratories, Nebraska, Blood cholesterol, Triglycerides, column, Serodiagnosis, Serologic tests, Diagnosis, Laboratory, Laboratory diagnosis

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Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Article Abstract:

Pathologists have played an important role in developing diagnostic tools based on discoveries in molecular genetics. These include techniques for localizing genes, messenger RNA and protein in fresh and frozen tissue samples. These diagnostic tools often include probes, antibodies, fluorescent markers and other chemicals. Pathologists have been active in establishing guidelines covering the conduct of laboratory science. These include safety recommendations to prevent the transmission of infectious organisms from tissue samples.

Research, Physiological aspects, Cell cycle, Molecular probes, Pathology

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