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Biotech / Medical : CTEC: Cholestech any other investors? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Duane L. Olson who wrote (474)	4/1/1998 6:32:00 PM
From: Phil Rogers	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 710

This study, as it is being presented to the public - largely through the media, is a load of c--p. I say this as a cardiologist. The need, usefulness, and cost effectiveness of cholesterol screening has been demonstrated in many different patient populations. These studies have been among many thousands of patients. The usefulness of this devise remains very suspect. Thousands of studies get presented at the ACC meetings every March, and thousands more at the AHA meetings every November. There may be some usefulness for the study, but with its current capabilities, even those demonstrated with this machine used at St. Francis Hospital, the usefulness is very very limited. That doesn't mean it can't catch on. A lot of useless junk does. Just one man's opinion (oh, and those of many of my colleagues) Phil

To: Duane L. Olson who wrote (474)	4/2/1998 1:58:00 PM
From: Turs	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 710

Just got a copy of the NewsWeek article and read it. Actually, if this test catches on, it would seemingly reduce the need for cholesterol screening, since they are both targeting the same thing: early indication of heart problems. But apparently, this CT Scan can detect any trouble earlier than can a cholesterol reading and in some cases, your cholesterol may look normal, but your arteries may still be calcified, putting you at risk for a heart attack, and only the CT Scan would indicate this. This new test is noninvasive, which is good, but it does cost $350-500 vs. a $20 test from Cholestech. What I could see happening is that you are initially screened with the CT Scan. Then you are put on a diet and exercise regimen and monitored every 3-6 months for your cholesterol levels with an LDX from Cholestech. Phil-does that sound like what would happen in reality? We'll also have to see if insurance companies eventually pay for it (they don't now). It's definitely something to keep an eye on.