IVD Technology Magazine
IVDT Article Index

Originally published July, 1998

IVD Technology News

Lifestream files for handheld cholesterol monitor

The growing number of people who are watching their serum cholesterol may someday be able to monitor their levels at home. Lifestream Technologies, Inc. (Sandpoint, ID), recently filed an FDA submission for approval of its handheld cholesterol monitor, the Cholestron.

Although Lifestream's first FDA submission seeks approval only for physician use and placement in some pharmacies, the company ultimately hopes to enter the home market. Operation of the Cholestron is much like a conventional glucose monitor. The device uses a fingerstick blood sample to measure total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein levels, delivering a reading of quantitative cholesterol levels in 180 seconds.

Since cholesterol levels fluctuate, four separate tests must be averaged to calculate a patient's baseline level. Most clinical chemists agree that once a patient's baseline has been determined, it's not useful to measure cholesterol daily. However, Lifestream president Christopher Maus says the company's "real goal is to support behavioral changes in the public. Studies indicate that regular monitoring can provide a psychological boost to help keep patients compliant with their cholesterol-lowering programs."

Partnered with Roche Diagnostics (Branchburg, NJ), Lifestream says it is prepared to meet production demands as soon as it receives FDA approval.—Gary Woo

Photo Courtesy Lifestream Technologies