Innovation

How does NMR technology measure lipoproteins?

In the LipoScience NMR clinical analyzer, a patient’s serum or plasma sample is subjected to a short pulse of radio energy within a strong magnetic field. The resonant sound that is broadcast by the lipoproteins in the sample is recorded and analyzed to determine the number and size of lipoproteins present. Each type of lipoprotein broadcasts a signal that is characteristically distinct from the others.  A computer algorithm separates the signals into groups and then quantifies the number of lipoprotein particles in that group.

The "Tolling of the Bells."

An easy way to understand the concept of NMR technology is to compare it to the tolling or ringing of bells. When a group of bells is struck with equal-force blows, the frequency of the sound (tone) separates the ring of one bell from another while the amplitude (loudness) of the sound reflects the number of bells struck. By recording the “ringing” of all of the lipoproteins in a plasma sample, it is possible to identify the number and type of lipoprotein particles present.

The most remarkable characteristic of measuring lipoproteins by NMR, is that results do not require chemical reactions, modification or pre-treatment of the sample. Each NMR scan of a specimen yields a complete record of sounds produced by molecules within the specimen under a specific set of instrument conditions. This record is called a spectrum. Each spectrum is an information-rich, digital representation of the molecules present. The NMR LipoProfile test reports only a fraction of the information available. Development continues to indentify other results that will aid in the diagnosis and management of metabolic diseases.