The Colorado Springs, Colo., gynecologist now uses the VAP Test to more accurately assess heart disease risk and to evaluate patients for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), diabetes and infertility. Foley explained that the VAP Test plays a role in the diagnosis of PCOS because, as an expanded cholesterol test, it measures a range of cholesterol subclasses not measured by the routine cholesterol test.

The VAP Test reports 22 separate components of blood compared to just four in the standard cholesterol test (LDL, HDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides) at no additional cost. This advanced lipid panel does not require fasting and includes a measurement of the patient's Lp(a), an important risk factor much discussed in recent publications, as part of its standard panel.

The American Heart Association recommends cholesterol screening starting at the age of 20. Foley routinely uses the VAP Test on patients over the age of 45 who come in for an annual exam and who have not had a cholesterol test within the past 12 months. He also initially tests all patients one time between the ages of 30-45.

SOURCE Atherotech Inc.