Simplified Approach to Measuring Lipids

An article in the American Medical Association journal contends that lipids as a risk factors for vascular problems can be accurately measured in non fasting specimens. In summary, you no longer have to fast for 10-14 hours prior to getting cholesterol testing, which makes the process much easier on the patient. We are incorporating this change in the office, not only for convenience but also because we can get these blood tests much cheaper for the patient if we draw the specimen in the office as opposed to the hospital.

See Nov. 11 issue of JAMA, p. 1993-1998.