Laboratory, Specimens and Venipuncture Cholesterol Screening Waived Testing SECTION: 15.02

Laboratory, Specimens and Venipuncture – Cholesterol Screening Waived Testing SECTION: 15.02

Strength of Evidence Level: 3 __RN__LPN/LVN__HHA

PURPOSE:

It is well known that cholesterol plays a significant role in coronary heart disease (CHD) and that lowering cholesterol to acceptable levels reduces the risk of developing CHD. Studies have also shown that significant increases in HDL cholesterol are associated with additional reduction in CHD risk. Elevated triglycerides may also be a risk factor. The National Institutes of Health has recommended aggressive efforts to identify and treat those at risk of developing CHD. A cholesterol screening may be performed via bedside or clinic waived tests.

CONSIDERATIONS:

1.  Monitor chosen by the agency should be CLIA Waived.

2.  All manufacturers’ guidelines should be followed for care and storage of machines and test cassettes.

3.  Test cassettes are sensitive to temperature. DO NOT use the test cassette beyond the printed expiration date.

4.  When applying the specimen into the sample well of the test cassette, be careful not to overfill the well.

5.  Quality control testing should be performed per manufacturers’ guidelines at regular intervals.

6.  The American Heart Association recommends the following desirable cholesterol levels

a.  Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL.

b.  LDL Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL.

c.  HDL Cholesterol: Less than 40 mg/dL for men; less than 50 mg/dL for women.

d.  Triglyceride level: Less than 150 mg/dL.

7.  Review reportable ranges and limitations per individual monitor type and confirm results outside of the reportable ranges with a serum specimen.

8.  Cholesterol screening is typically completed on patient who has fasted for at least 12 hours prior to obtaining specimen.

EQUIPMENT:

None

PROCEDURE:

1.  Identify the patient and explain procedure.

2.  Ensure physician order for lipid profile.

3.  Ensure patient has fasted before testing.

4.  Test cassette should be at room temperature.

5.  Remove the cassette from its pouch and place it on a flat surface.

6.  Turn monitor on and follow individual monitor’s instructions.

7.  Observe standard precautions.

8.  Obtain specimen via a fingerstick to apply appropriate amount of blood for individual machine type.

AFTER CARE:

1. Document test results and follow-up in the clinical record. Or provide patient with results, if at a clinic.

2. Notify physician of results.