2007-05-14 20:11:33 -

INDIANAPOLIS, May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Polymer Technology Systems, Inc., a privately held company that delivers Point-of-Care diagnostics to the global health care market, announced today they have a new test strip available; the Metabolic Chemistry Panel, to check three of the main indicators for metabolic syndrome -- triglycerides, glucose, and HDL Cholesterol. The panel is run on a CardioChek PA Point-of-Care analyzer for use by physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. The test strip recently received FDA 510(k) clearance, and is CLIA-waived. It takes approximately two

minutes to run, and uses a fingerstick sample of whole blood.

In the U.S., it is estimated that 20% of adults (47 million) have metabolic syndrome, with incidence approaching 50% in the elderly. Understanding metabolic syndrome and making lifestyle adjustments can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, a leading cause of death in the United States. Weight control, specifically reduction of the waist measurement, lowering blood pressure, and reducing high cholesterol and glucose levels are important ways to reduce risk factors for heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.

"Our Metabolic Chemistry Panel is an important breakthrough in helping physicians identify patients who may be at risk for Coronary Artery Disease, stroke or diabetes," says PTS President Robert Huffstodt. "This new test panel alerts and enables healthcare professionals to provide early intervention, which can lead to reduced healthcare costs in the long run."

About the CardioChek system

CardioChek systems are hand-held analyzers used with PTS Panels(R) Test Strips. The system monitors key health indicators related to heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Test results are displayed in about two minutes. It can be programmed in one of six languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.

About Metabolic Syndrome

In 1998 the World Health Organization (WHO) was first to publish a definition for metabolic syndrome, however a definition currently receiving widespread acceptance is that published as part of the ATP III report (the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program expert panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults). ATP III defines metabolic syndrome as an individual exhibiting three or more of the following risk factors outlined on the following table:

Risk Factor Defining Level Abdominal obesity Waist Circumference -- Men -- >40 in. (>102 cm) -- Women -- >35 in. (>88 cm) Triglycerides > 150 mg/dl HDL Cholesterol -- Men -- < 40 mg/dL -- Women -- < 50 mg/dL Blood Pressure -- greater than or equal to 130 / greater than or equal to 85 mmHg Fasting Blood Glucose -- greater than or equal to 110 mg/dL About Polymer Technology Systems, Inc. (PTS)

Polymer Technology Systems, Inc. is a global company headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, with sales offices in Africa, Australia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Pacific Rim. PTS develops and markets Point-of-Care diagnostic products including the CardioChek and CardioChek PA handheld analyzers. PTS has developed PTS Panels(R) Test Strip kits for home use with the CardioChek to measure Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, and Triglycerides. PTS also offers tests for direct LDL Cholesterol, Creatinine, Ketone, Glucose, Lipid Panel, and other combination test strips for professional use with the CardioChek PA. For more information visit http://www.cardiochek.com/.

Source: Polymer Technology Systems