Cost-effective study of determination methods for low-density lipoprotein by new direct assay compared to Friedewald's formula calculation in hypercholesterolemic subjects.
OBJECTIVE
To study the cost effectiveness of determination methods for low-density lipoprotein by new direct assay compared to Friedewald's formula calculation.


METHODS
descriptive study.


METHODS
Fasting serum from 100 subjects with a history of hypercholesterolemia.


METHODS
Specimens were determined for total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride using automated clinical chemistry, as the basic information in calculation of LDL level. Each specimen was also processed by direct LDL assay by the same automation. Correlation of the results from both methods was analyzed. Cost effectiveness analysis was then performed.


RESULTS
The least-squares equation from comparing direct LDL assay to calculation method gave Y = 0.897X + 20.42 (r = 0.996, p < 0.05). According to the present study, the cost per utility of the direct assay method (47.54 baht) was more expensive than the calculation method (29.59 baht).


CONCLUSIONS
The results from both methods were well related. However, the cost per utility of the calculation method is cheaper, therefore, the authors recommend the use of the calculation method rather than the direct assay for follow-up of LDL level in hypercholesterolemic patients.
Out Patient Department, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
Surin
S
Asswawitoontip
Viroj
V
Wiwanitkit
D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000032:analysis*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D011336:Probability; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013785:Thailand
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL