Relationship between plasma lipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein (a) phenotypes, and other coronary heart disease risk factors in a Melbourne South Asian population.

Background: High plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level is a strong and important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Small-sized apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] isoforms (F, B, S1, and S2) are inversely correlated with the high levels of Lp(a) in plasma and significantly associated with CVD. Although the effects of apo(a) phenotypes and various risk factors on Lp(a) status in South Asian population may have been studied in other countries, there are no reports involving these risk factors in Australia.

Carotenoids: separation methods applicable to biological samples.

Epidemiologic and clinical studies have shown that a high intake of vegetables and fruit, with consequently high intakes and circulating concentrations of carotenoids, is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. The antioxidant properties of carotenoids are thought to contribute to these effects. The analysis of carotenoids in plasma, foods and tissues has thus become of interest in studies examining the role of diet in chronic disease prevention and management.

Point-of-care testing of blood glucose in the neonatal unit using the AVL Omni 9 analyser.

Background: Blood glucose measurements in newborns at risk of hypoglycaemia are an essential part of their medical management. Blood glucose measurements obtained by point-of-care testing using an AVL Omni 9 blood gas and metabolite analyser were compared with those obtained in the central laboratory using a Dade Dimension RXL analyser.

Methods: Blood glucose was measured at the point of care by nursing staff using an AVL Omni 9 blood gas and metabolite analyser and compared to results obtained in the central laboratory using a DADE Dimension RXL analyser.