$Unique_ID{BRK00942}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests}
$Title{Are "Shopping Mall" Cholesterol Tests Dangerous?}
$Subject{cholesterol screening hazards}
$Volume{P}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are "Shopping Mall" Cholesterol Tests Dangerous?


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QUESTION:  I believe I read somewhere that the test for cholesterol that can
be obtained in some shopping malls and the like, were dangerous to your
health.  I recently had such a test and am now concerned about the
consequences.  What do you know about this and can you offer me some
information?  I need some help to put my fears to rest.

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ANSWER:  I suspect that the information you read was derived from a recent
report compiled by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department
of Health and Human Services.  While it is generally recognized that high
cholesterol levels may lead to coronary artery heart disease, it is equally
true that you must know about your condition in order to start modifying your
life style and diet in a manner that will help bring these cholesterol levels
down to normal.  A great deal of effort has been dedicated towards making the
public understand the relationship of cholesterol and heart disease, and
advertisements have encouraged people to "know their cholesterol level".  With
this in mind, many sponsors have initiated "cholesterol screenings" in some
cases as a marketing or public relations event.  The OIG gathered information
on these mobile health services or services offered outside traditional
medical settings.  They discovered that information offered, and the testing
in many instances was less than accurate, and that the lack of accurate test
results, proper referrals, and correct advice and counseling were possible
sources of confusion and mistakes.  Such errors might lead to incorrect
actions by the patients, actions that might be "dangerous" to your health.
Don't confuse this with a direct threat to your well being, but rather as a
poor method by which to determine this important number.  Their are new
federal regulations to be implemented in 1990-91 which will control public
testing.  Until then it is important that you check to see that the results of
your test were correct, and that you obtain the answers to your questions
about cholesterol, to will enable you to take the right actions.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
