Replies to post #109116 on Biotech Values

[iwfal]

Calcium Scores -

The CT scan is a more sensitive test than hs-CRP but in addition to the radiation issue, is more expensive and I believe it has a high false positive rate.

I have never seen anything to indicate Calcium scores gives a higher false positive rate than other tests. And I'd be exceedingly surprised if that were true given all the stats I've seen - but I'll have to think through the logic to explain it on the board.

I remember reading that using both hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2 gives better diagnostic accuracy than either alone.

I am only peripherally aware of PLA2 data - will look into it.

[iwfal]

Also, I remember reading that using both hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2 gives better diagnostic accuracy than either alone.

Quick review of PLA2 data indicates it is a moderate indicator of risk. Same ball park as LDL (but worse than CRP or LDL/HDL). So even if it is entirely independent of CRP (highly unlikely) it won't bring up the predictive accuracy enough. Perhaps if it added to totallity of other data it would be enough if independent - but I think that unlikely.

Will comment more when have time.