A study of 1034 patients undergoing angiography for symptoms of CAD and followed for a median of 9.2 years found that elevated Pro-BNP was the strongest predictor of death in a multivariate model (N Engl J Med 2005; 352:666-675). Having a Pro-BNP in the highest quartile conferred a hazard ratio of dying of 2.4 (95% CI 1.5-4.0). As a comparison having severe versus no coronary artery disease carried a hazard ratio of 1.8 (95% CI 1.2-2.6) in the same multivariate model.

Another study of 764 participants aged 50-89 showed an increased risk of mortality and first coronary event associated with an elevation of NT Pro-BNP above the 80th percentile (JAMA. 2005;293:1609-1616). During 5 years of follow-up and after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors, the hazard ratio (HR) of death associated with an elevation of NT Pro-BNP as described was 1.96 (95% CI 1.21-3.19). Elevation of NT Pro-BNP levels were associated with first major cardiovascular events (nonfatal myocardial infarction, fatal coronary heart disease, unstable angina, heart failure, stroke, and transient ischemic attack) with an adjusted HR of 3.24 (95% CI, 1.80-5.79).

NT Pro-BNP was found to be the strongest independent predictor of a diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure in a group of 600 patients presenting to the emergency Room with a complaint of shortness of breath (Am J Cardiol 2005;95:948-954). Pro-BNP cutpoints of > 450 pg/ml in those < 50 years of age and > 900 pg/ml in those > 49 years of age were found to be highly sensitive and specific for acute congestive heart failure.

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LabOne's Insurance Services Group Merges Intellisys Brand

For many years, LabOne's Insurance Services Group has worked to vertically integrate laboratory testing with other insurance requirement acquisition products. To aid in our ability to communicate the unique benefits of our comprehensive solutions and value-added services such as CaseOne, we will phase out the Intellisys name and logo during the second and third quarters of 2005. The below chart illustrates the new product organization.

This change will not affect the comprehensive product line currently offered to insurance underwriters, agents and brokers, although several products will be sold as LabOne or ExamOne instead of Intellisys. If you have any questions, please contact your LabOne Regional Vice President.

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Survey Results From the Client Advisory Group

Members of LabOne's new Client Advisory Group were surveyed recently to obtain feedback on areas of interest pertaining to the group's activities. In addition, members completed a focused questionnaire to provide direction on what type of content they would find most useful when utilizing LabOne's web site.

With regard to group topics, over ninety percent of members were most interested in innovation in the industry coupled with new idea generation, and the examination of requirement gathering processes and related workflow. Members also provided specific feedback with regard to desired web site content referencing topics that will enable them to meet their information needs.

The group's input is already hard at work within LabOne. Web site functionality and content is being developed according to the guidance provided by members. We would like to thank the group and express our appreciation for their time and effort. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Dianne Schuetz at dianne.schuetz@labone.com.

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LabOne Live provides statistical information through the web 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many LabOne customers have been accessing this tool since March 2003. However, did you know about the following features LabOne Live offers?

• Since LabOne Live is a web-based application, it can be accessed from anywhere there is an Internet connection.
• Specimens processed in the lab today, are viewable the next day.
• One year plus the current year's data is available for query opportunities.
• Hepatitis, HIV, cotinine and drugs of abuse hit rates may be identified per state.

Your company experience compared to the industry is displayed on the Executive Summary which is accessible through LabOne Live. LabOne Live provides a table view of the Executive Summary allowing you to do further statistical analysis.

• The Kit Validation Report, which is a paramed proficiency report, is available through LabOne Live.
• Analyzing applicant results is made easy with the Adhoc tool located in LabOne Live. Simply supply date, gender, age and test requirements, and the results will email to the requestor within minutes.

For more information or to register for LabOne Live, please email sasmanager@labone.com.

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MVR Price Increase in South Carolina

Effective June 1, 2005, South Carolina's state fee for MVRs will change from $6.00 to $7.25. Please share this information with your Accounts Payable team to facilitate their bill reconcilements.

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CaseOne Update

Two features of CaseOne are highlighted below:

1. CaseOne has a customer service unit who manages requirements for Requirements Managed and Case Managed customers. A number of internal management reports are utilized to perform a variety of tasks, such as detect errors in an order, detect duplicate orders, and follow up on delinquent status. Management of requirements were historically performed by staff at the insurance company Home Office. CaseOne allows better allocation of these resources.

1. CaseOne has a great deal of capacity to accommodate fluctuations in volumes of insurance applications based on time of year, production introductions, and sales campaigns. Our clients no longer have to be concerned about managing resources to match the ebbs and flows of the insurance sales cycle.

A clear advantage of CaseOne: Improved resource allocation at the Home Office level!

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CaseView 2 Tips

Did you know that you could do the following in CaseView:

• Access the entire laboratory manual that details everything from quality assurance programs through specimen collection to laboratory test definitions and beyond. Simply click on the "View Lab Manual" button to gain access.
• Double click on a test on a laboratory report and view the test definition for the selected test.
• Insert notes such as underwriting guidelines in reference to a specific test that may be viewed when ordering an add-on test. Your CaseView Site Administrator can easily accomplish this by selecting a test on your custom list under Service Code Maintenance, clicking the "Create Help" button then typing in the desired text.

If you need any assistance please contact our Client Technical Support department at 800 388-4675.

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Industry News

Richard Braun, M.D., LabOne Medical Director and Senior Vice President, will present at the following meetings:

May 6 - Midwest Medical Directors Association
June 9 - Midwest Risk Selectors
June 16 - Michigan HOUA

Dr. Braun is also presenting to numerous insurance companies in the coming months.

Industry Meetings

Come see ExamOne at:

Senior Market Expo
May 19-21 in San Diego, CA -- Booth 107.

NAILBA FOCUS
June 2-4 in Las Vegas, NV -- Booth 3.

MDRT
June 25-29 in New Orleans, LA -- Booth 513

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