The CEC blood test, specifically the High-Definition Circulating Endothelial Cell (HD-CEC) assay, is a novel blood test used to detect endothelial cells circulating in the blood. This test is often used in patients who have recently experienced a heart attack.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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CEC stands for Circulating Endothelial Cells: Endothelial cells line the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. When there's damage or stress to these vessels (like during a heart attack), endothelial cells can detach and circulate in the bloodstream.
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HD-CEC assay: This is a specific type of CEC blood test that aims to accurately identify and count these circulating endothelial cells. The "High-Definition" refers to the advanced techniques used to distinguish CECs from other blood cells.
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Purpose of the test: The primary purpose is to detect endothelial damage and inflammation within the vasculature. In the context of a heart attack, the HD-CEC assay can provide valuable information about the extent of damage to the heart's blood vessels.
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Clinical Significance: The presence and quantity of HD-CECs can be used as a biomarker:
- To assess the severity of cardiovascular events.
- Potentially predict future cardiovascular risk.
- To monitor the effectiveness of treatments aimed at protecting or repairing the endothelium.
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How it differs from a standard blood test: A standard blood test counts different types of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) and measures various substances in the blood (electrolytes, glucose, cholesterol). The HD-CEC assay specifically looks for and quantifies circulating endothelial cells, which requires specialized equipment and expertise.
In summary, the CEC blood test, particularly the HD-CEC assay, is a specialized blood test that detects circulating endothelial cells to evaluate endothelial damage, often used in patients following a heart attack to assess the extent of vascular injury.
