September 26, 2006 > Cholesterol Awareness Month

Hayward (PRNewswire), Sept. 20_Millions of Americans will have their cholesterol tested in September during Cholesterol Awareness Month, but many may not be aware that the results they get back could be inaccurate -- and that could be dangerous to your health.

Cholesterol testing is a standard component of an annual vital signs check-up. The accuracy of your reading is essential in enabling your physician to rely on this important health indicator to determine your risk for heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, all Americans aged 20 and over, should have a complete cholesterol screening at least once every five years.

As more and more mass merchant retailers are introducing cholesterol screenings on-the-go for busy shoppers, more people are taking advantage of the convenience to have their cholesterol checked while filling their shopping carts. But the accuracy of the equipment being used outside the doctor's office is a critical factor. If the instrumentation being used is not certified to the Cholesterol Reference Method Laboratory Network (CRMLN) standard established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the results they get could be inaccurate. Even worse, if screenings in your doctor's office are done on non- certified equipment, false readings could lead to incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate medical intervention.

Take the American Heart Association's advice to heart and get your cholesterol checked as part of your vital signs check up. But remember to make sure that anyone checking your cholesterol is using a CRMLN-certified testing system. Your good health depends on it.