Low-density Lipoprotein - Direct Measurement of LDL Concentration

Direct Measurement of LDL Concentration

There are several competing methods for measurement of lipoprotein particle size although the evidence in favor of their superiority to existing methods is weak, even by the statements of proponents. Direct LDL particle measurement by NMR was mentioned by the ADA and ACC, in a 28 March 2008 joint consensus statement, as having advantages for predicting individual risk of atherosclerosis disease events, but the statement noted that the test is not widely available and is more expensive (about $98.00 US without insurance coverage) than existing tests. Furthermore the authors also said it is "...unclear whether LDL particle size measurements add value to measurement of LDL particle concentration." Since the later 1990s, because of the development of NMR measurements, it has been possible to clinically measure lipoprotein particles at lower cost and high accuracy. There are also other (less expensive) homogeneous assays for LDL, however most only estimate LDL.

Using NMR, as pioneered by researcher Jim Otvos and the North Carolina State University academic research spinoff company LipoScience, the total LDL particle concentrations, in nmol/L plasma, are typically subdivided by percentiles referenced to the 5,382 men and women, not on any lipid medications, who participated in the MESA trial.