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TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY OF BLOOD LIPID MEASUREMENTS USING A DESKTOP LIPID ANALYZER

Abstract

TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY OF BLOOD LIPID MEASUREMENTS USING A DESKTOP LIPID ANALYZER

C.W. Kirven, L.M. Whalen, and D.P. Heil FACSM

Movement Science / Human Performance Lab, Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT,

Blood lipid measurements are an important factor in determining an individual’s risk for cardiovascular disease. Accurately measuring and monitoring blood lipids plays a critical role in the management of an individual’s blood lipids. However, the accuracy of blood lipid measurements is dependent upon the validity and reliability of the equipment used. PURPOSE: This study investigated the test-retest reliability of blood lipid measurements using a desktop lipid analyzer. METHODS: Four women and six men donated two fingertip blood samples during a single laboratory visit. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TRG) levels were measured in duplicate from two separate fingertip whole blood samples. Test-retest reliability for the HDL, LDL, and TRG measures were assessed using 2-Factor repeated measures ANOVA, the intraclass correlation coefficient (Rxx; stability reliability), and the standard error of measurement (SEM). Values for Rxx and SEM were computed for all two samples (k=2), as well as extrapolated for one sample (k=1). For the purpose of this study, an Rxx value greater than 0.80 was considered to be an acceptable level of reliability. RESULTS: Mean values for HDL and LDL across the two measurements were statistically similar (P=0.47, P=0.24 for HDL and LDL respectively). However, mean values for TRG between two trials were statistically different (P=0.011). Rxx (k=2) across two measures of HDL was high (0.96) with a relatively low SEM value (±3 mg/dL). When extrapolated to a single measure (k=1), Rxx was also high for HDL (0.92) with a relatively low SEM (±4 mg/dL). Rxx (k=2) across two measures of LDL was high (0.91) with a moderate SEM value (±8 mg/dL). When extrapolated to a single measure (k=1), Rxx was lower for LDL (0.83) with a moderate SEM (±11 mg/dL). Rxx (k=2) across two measures of TRG was high (0.96) with a moderate SEM value (±10 mg/dL). When extrapolated to a single measure (k=1), Rxx was high for TRG (0.93) with a moderate SEM (±13 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: All three measures, HDL, LDL, and TRG showed strong evidence of intraclass reliability, with HDL showing the strongest evidence of reliability and TRG showing the weakest evidence of reliability. Consequently, a desktop lipid analyzer is a reliable instrument when using a single finger prick blood sample for measuring HDL, LDL, and TRG.

Supported by a grant from Meehan Formulations, LLC (Jackson, WY)

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