Accuracy of analyses for lipid profile parameters as measured with the CR3000 system.

Total cholesterol (TC) and low- density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) levels are positively related to coronary heart disease (CHD), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) levels are negatively related to CHD. Ef- forts to identify and treat people at increased risk based on cholesterol and lipoprotein levels have led to more lipid testing and the need for very reliable test results. Point-of-care testing (POCT) has developed from the demand for ana- lytical information more fastly than is available from central laboratories. By carrying the analy- sis closer to the patient some process steps have been eliminated, facilitating a shorter time to result and faster management response with improved outcomes. Thus benefits include bet- ter therapeutic turnaround times (TATs), de- creased blood loss as a result of reduced phle- botomy secondary to clinical improvement and diminished resource utilization. These effects depend on acceptable analytical performance in comparison with central laboratory techniques and in relation to clinical criteria.