Measurement of cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL using compact analysis systems.

The compact analyzers facilitate rapid measurement of cholesterol and other lipid parameters outside the conventional laboratory setting. The current generation of instruments has very different features, operating parameters, and performance characteristics, and they must be selected in accordance with the intended application. All three of the common screening instruments, the DT-60, the Reflotron, and the VISION, have demonstrated the capability to meet current performance guidelines, provided they are operated correctly. Attention to quality assurance will, nevertheless, be essential in achieving reliable results. Further refinements in the instruments, reagents, and applications will improve their utility in screening programs.