Genetic diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia using a DNA-array based platform

The aim of this study was to validate the Lipochip genetic diagnostic platform by assessing effectiveness, sensitivity, specificity and costs for the identification of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in Spain. This platform includes the use of a DNA micro array, the detection of large gene rearrangements and the complete resequencing of the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene.

DNA samples of patients with clinically diagnosed FH were analyzed for mutations by application of the Lipochip platform. Results obtained were confirmed by DNA sequencing and MLPA analysis by two other, independent laboratories.

Of 808 patients tested, Lipochip detected a mutation in 66% of the cases and of these 78% were detected by the micro array. A specificity of 99.5% at a sensitivity of 99.8% was reached. A positive test result could be reported within 22 days after start of analysis. The total average screening costs of $350 per case were significantly lower compared to other existing screening programs.

Lipochip provides a reliable, fast and cheap alternative for the genetic testing of patients with clinically diagnosed FH.