VAP test? - High Cholesterol Message Board

janeslk · 09-14-2006, 08:54 AM

My husband is calling his doctor to schedule a cholesterol test next week. Should he request the VAP test instead of the standard cholesterol panel? He is also having a CPK test. His doctor in the past has refused to do any testing for high genetic LDL, saying he can't do anything about it so why do it.

Any input on what tests he should request would be appreciated. My eyes start to glaze over when I start reading about all the tests. In May his TC was 269, HDL was 53, LDL was 195 and TRI were 104. His liver enzymes were higher than usual and although not out of range he stopped his non-flush niacin. His CPK also had increased. We think his TC has dropped another 30 points since the doctor's test, based upon two home tests, but I am not sure of the value of a simple cholesterol panel test.

We pay everything out-of-pocket so I want the most bang for the buck.

Jane

NHone · 09-14-2006, 09:28 PM

I understand the out of pocket..... You might want to have a CRP test and an Lp(a) test done. THis should give you some degree of information of inflammation. You might check out the tests Spectracell in Houston offers. THey have a much more specific test for particle size on both HDL and LDL.

janeslk · 09-15-2006, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NHone

I understand the out of pocket..... You might want to have a CRP test and an Lp(a) test done. THis should give you some degree of information of inflammation. You might check out the tests Spectracell in Houston offers. THey have a much more specific test for particle size on both HDL and LDL.

I think the Lp(a) test is the one that his doctor refused to do. I think he will probably have the CRP, CPK and VAP tests. I will check into the Spectrcell tests as well. Thank you.

Jane

NHone · 09-15-2006, 04:58 PM

If you talk to spectracell tell them that it is out of pocket....they will work with you. If you have questions of spectracell...they will let you talk to one of the chemists. Good luck.

Lenin · 09-15-2006, 05:00 PM

Jane,

The VAP is apt to be HIDEOUSLY expensive...but it's a superb battery of tests. MAke sure you find out BEFORE you are handed a thousand dollar bill.

A fair price for Lipid profile (HDL, LDL, TC and triglycerides), CrP and Homocysteine should be about $100.

I found ONE reference to VAP cost , at a lab called YHL, and it was Retail: $747 and discount: $249