Cholesterol: point-of-care testing.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature regarding point-of-care (POC) cholesterol monitors and describe their role in pharmacy practice.


METHODS
Primary articles were identified by a MEDLINE search (1966-May 2003); references cited in these articles provided additional resources.


METHODS
All of the articles identified from this search were reviewed, and all information deemed relevant was included.


RESULTS
Hyperlipidemia is a well-established risk factor for coronary artery disease, which is the leading cause of death in the US. The use of POC cholesterol monitors may help to improve the identification and management of this disease. Pharmacists may use many of these devices in their practice and are also in an ideal position to provide patient education on selection and use of these monitors and interpretation of the results.


CONCLUSIONS
The availability of POC cholesterol monitors has increased in recent years. Based on currently available data, these monitors are best suited for screening purposes and to assist in the management of hyperlipidemia. There is not enough evidence to support the notion that POC cholesterol monitors can replace laboratory or office monitoring. Their application in the diagnosis of hyperlipidemia is also currently limited.
Taylor
James R
JR
Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0486, USA. jtaylor@cop.ufl.edu
Lopez
Larry M
LM
D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D019719:Diagnostic Equipment; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems
D002784:Cholesterol