Florida Osteopathic Physicians to Learn Value of VAP® Cholesterol Test at Annual Seminar

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Atherotech Diagnostics Lab will exhibit its VAP® Cholesterol Test in booth 121 at the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) Mid-Year Seminar held September 24-26 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay in Tampa, Fla.

FOMA is the state association for osteopathic physicians in Florida and has been serving osteopathic physicians since 1904. The 2010 seminar will address advances in the science and art of osteopathic medicine. Cholesterol expert Paul Ziajka, M.D., who utilizes the VAP Test at the Florida Lipid Institute, will address "Inflammatory Markers and the Risk of Atherosclerosis" during the conference.

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 VAP Test goes far beyond the standard cholesterol test, providing a valuable research tool for cardiovascular science and detailed information for refining the clinical assessment of cardiovascular risk," said Atherotech Medical Advisory Board Member Gary H. Gibbons, M.D., a nationally recognized clinician-scientist and Director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute in Atlanta. "Because of its ability to report on dozens of cholesterol subclasses, the VAP Test holds great promise for playing a key role in advancing the understanding of heart disease risk and addressing disparities in cardiovascular health."

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 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