Skin cholesterol levels can be measured reliably and safely in children, according to results of a new study. Skin cholesterol has been shown in adults to be an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease, and this new study is first ever conducted with pediatric subjects.

Cholesterol 1,2,3 is the world's only non-invasive test system for cholesterol, and is cleared for sale in the U.S., Canada and Europe. The test measures cholesterol in the skin, by placing two drops of liquid on the palm of the hand and generating a color-change reaction. As cholesterol accumulates on artery walls it also accumulates in other tissues, including skin. High levels of skin cholesterol are correlated with higher incidence of coronary artery disease.

The study compared skin cholesterol levels in two groups of children - 25 children with hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) and 25 age and gender match controls. The study also examined the reliability of Cholesterol 1,2,3 and whether any adverse reactions occurred among the subjects.

"The study showed that Cholesterol 1,2,3 is a reliable test for measuring skin cholesterol in children, and we observed no adverse reactions to the test solutions," said Dr. Katherine Morrison, a pediatric endocrinologist at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and principal investigator of the study. "Skin cholesterol in children appears to be independent of age and gender. Larger studies will help determine how skin cholesterol can be used to evaluate and manage pediatric patients at risk of heart disease."

"Any time a child is believed to be at risk for early atherosclerosis that child will undergo regular testing involving repeated needles," said Dr. Morrison. "Any test that helps us to understand better how to identify children at risk for atherosclerosis using a non-invasive test would be a welcome addition to pediatric practice."

"Pediatric use would represent a significant new opportunity for skin cholesterol and we will continue to do the clinical work necessary to demonstrate that it can be an effective tool in risk assessment for children," said Dr. Brent Norton, IMI President and CEO. "We currently have studies in the field aimed at broadening the use for skin cholesterol to include monitoring response to cholesterol-lowering therapy and screening for risk of atherosclerosis."