While lipoprotein analysis would certainly provide a more accurate cholesterol profile the question that remains is when should such a test be advised , particularly if the routine cholesterol test is apparently normal. Nuclear magnetic resonance testing facilities are normally available only at specialised centers and such tests would not only add considerably to the financial burden on patients but would also impose a perhaps avoidable burden on such test centers.

Further, if we take the example of this study then shouldn't other routine tests too be replaced by more sophisticated tests as a matter of routine, eg MRIs to follow X rays even if these are normal?

I feel this issue needs to be examined in greater detail and more specific guidelines need to be drawn up to decide when the more sophisticated tests are needed when the routine tests do not show any abnormality.

Krishan