Randox releases LDL test

Randox has released a "simple" test for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the company states.

The new method tests for small, dense (sd) LDL – which the firm warns is more penetrative than its larger counterpart.

A prevalence of sd LDL is thus a greater cardiac risk than high levels of other forms of cholesterol, Randox claims.

The company cites research which shows sd LDL carries a threefold risk of myocardial infarction, compared with larger molecules.

According to Randox, "the small, more atherogenic LDL particles penetrate the inner layer of the coronary arteries more easily".

Randox adds that the new test can be conducted on existing laboratory equipment in less than 30 minutes.

In addition to being fully automated, the test offers quantitative results, in order to allow physicians to optimise their treatment of cholesterol.

The firm previously recommended the use of biochips in identifying myocardial infarction as they outperform traditional techniques by 20 per cent within six hours of the event.