Based on recent studies, University Suburban Health Center's comprehensive, complex laboratory in suite 011 has now joined several other major health centers, including the Mayo Clinic, in offering more accurately measured LDL cholesterol levels.
This is good news for everyone, including those who have a total cholesterol level below 200. Most know that a high cholesterol (HDL) and low LDL (bad cholesterol), and a total cholesterol below 200 are ideal for maintaining a healthy heart. Yet 35% of heart attacks still occur in individuals with a total cholesterol below 200. Why? Because other risk factors may be present and measuring LDL cholesterol is normally a calculated result, which is less accurate in certain individuals. The lab's new electrophoresis procedure, which quantifies cholesterol values, now provides greater accuracy. It's a part of a new complete lipid panel that includes lipoprotein (a) - a known cardiac risk factor that the lab now routinely measures.
The lab is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), an internationally recognized program based on the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Standards. Designed to go well beyond regulatory compliance, the program provides a solid foundation for quality practices and helps laboratories achieve the highest standards of excellence to positively impact patient care.