No-stick cholesterol test offered

Renae Buchheim

Findings by researchers at the Medical School support the validity of a new, non-invasive skin cholesterol test to help identify patients at increased risk for heart disease.

James H. Stein, co-director of UW Health Preventive Cardiology, presented the study results March 6 during the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Fla.

Stein and his research team tested PREVU, a new skin cholesterol test, and compared it to ultrasound measurements of carotid intima-media (wall) thickness — a well-established marker of atherosclerosis, the narrowing of the arteries that leads to heart attacks and strokes. Their findings showed that skin tissue cholesterol measured using PREVU was associated with carotid wall thickness and helped identify patients at increased cardiovascular risk.

PREVU Skin Sterol Test is not intended to replace traditional blood or finger stick cholesterol tests. The test, which does not require fasting or the drawing of blood, measures the amount of sterol, or cholesterol, in the skin tissue. The test takes only three minutes and is administered by placing a foam pad on the skin and dropping liquid into wells of the foam pad. The agents in the liquids then change colors to indicate levels of cholesterol. PREVU Skin Sterol Test is FDA-approved for sale to clinical offices in the United States, and is currently being used at research sites around the world. An at-home version of the skin sterol test is being developed with the release date to be determined. For more information about the UW Vascular Health Screening Program, visit http://www.uwhealth.org/heartandvascular.