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Frequently Asked Questions about Lipoprint Systems
for Medical Professionals
What is Lipoprint®?
The Lipoprint System is a high resolution diagnostic test for cholesterol
components which are not routinely tested by other methods. The Lipoprint
test provides detailed results regarding the Lipoprotein subfractions
of low density lipoproteins (LDL).
Lipoprint is the "Fingerprint" of your
LDL.
What is the importance of low density lipoproteins (LDL)?
The health risk is much clearer when you understand that low density lipoproteins
(LDL) carry about 70% of the blood's cholesterol.
What is wrong with just measuring total LDL?
LDL subfractions provide a more in-depth assessment of CAD risk while
the commonly performed total LDL cholesterol test gives limited information.
Why are subfractions important?
Testing LDL subfractions is important because these particles have been
associated with increased risk of CAD, even when the total level of LDL
cholesterol is "normal." These LDL particles are taken up by
cells in the blood vessel wall and can be oxidized. This can lead to plaque
buildup or coronary artery disease (CAD).
What are some of the methods for measuring LDL subfractions?
ß-Quantification (ultracentrifugation), non-denaturing gradient
gel electrophoresis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are being used
to determine LDL particle subfractions.
What is wrong with these current methods?
Current cholesterol subfraction testing is labor intensive, technically
demanding, expensive and time-consuming.
Why is the Lipoprint System superior to these current methods?
The Lipoprint System is easily performed in a lab and results in a patient
profile in under 2 hours. It is less costly than other tests and can identify
12 cholesterol parameters —nine of which are not available among
other methods.
What is the Lipoprint System procedure?
The Lipoprint system is a gel electrophoresis method. After the completion
of the electrophoresis, the gel tubes are scanned and the data is then
exported to a computer and graphically analyzed. The program provides
a graphical representation of the lipoproteins and the subfractions present
in each sample.
What are the Lipoprint System components?
The Lipoprint System consists of the following components:
- Kit of 100 Lipoprint Gels
- Photopolymerization Light
- Power Supply
- Computer and Color Printer
- Gel Preparation Rack
- Electrophoresis Chamber
- Digital Scanner
- Lipoprint Patient Risk Reporting Software
Who developed the Lipoprint System?
Nehemias Muñiz designed the first Lipoprint test. He was hired by
Robert W. Ban, Ph.D., a biochemist and founder of Quantimetrix Corporation
to further develop the basic principle into a viable test for the research
community. The addition of a software program by Gebhard Neyer, Ph.D., of
Quantimetrix has expanded the capabilities of Lipoprint to its present day
configuration. Ongoing research and development lend assurance that the
system will continue to be refined to reflect the changing needs of the
research community, as well as the physicians and consumers who order this
test.
What is the format for the test results?
The Lipoprint System produces an easy-to-interpret patient profile, which
features a percentage of lipoprotein distribution, cholesterol levels in
each fraction, LDL particle sizes and a comparison to normal cholesterol
distribution.
How can I see this patient profile?
Please click here for a comprehensive, full color
picture of a patient's profile which you can print out.
Has the product been FDA cleared?
Yes, it has been
cleared.
Is Lipoprint reimbursable?
Yes, clinical laboratories can bill HMOs, private insurance and Medicare
for the Lipoprint tests under CPT code 83701.
Is there a lab currently using Lipoprint that I could contact?
Yes, call 800.624.8380 or email: lipoprint@4qc.com.
Does a distributor discount apply to the Lipoprint System?
Quantimetrix cannot apply distributor discounts to this system, however,
separate discounts for the equipment can be negotiated. Your current distributor
discounts will apply to the Lipoprint gels.
How can I get more information?
Quantimetrix Account Executives will be happy to answer any of your questions
by email: lipoprint@4qc.com, telephone:
800-624-8380 or fax: 800-845-1834. Quantimetrix Corporation would be delighted
to set up a demonstration of this very exciting product just for you. |
