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Episodes
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Monday Oct 06, 2025
This special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights discusses the importance of screening and managing fatty liver disease, a condition affecting 1 in 3 Americans and over 70% of patients with type 2 diabetes. The episode covers the transition from the term NAFLD to MASLD, discusses the AACE-recommended testing algorithm for MASLD using the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score and the enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) and highlights the importance of early identification and intervention for proper management of underlying metabolic conditions.
This episode will
Review the implications of the shift in terminology from NAFLD to MASLD (1:00)
Discuss the progression of MASLD (1:25)
Walk through the testing algorithm for MASLD, starting with the first-line screening assessment using the FIB-4 and when the follow up with the ELF score is recommended (2:30)
Highlight the importance of early identification and prevention in managing MASLD and comorbid cardiometabolic conditions (5:45)
To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: October 2025
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC
Additional Resources
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]
ELF test detail
FIB4 test summary
2022 AACE algorithm for fatty liver assessment
Ordering information:
CMP + Fib4
Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Score
References:
Ciardullo S, Vergani M, Perseghin G. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes: Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment. J Clin Med. 2023;12(17):5597. doi:10.3390/jcm12175597
Rinella ME, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Siddiqui MS, et al. AASLD Practice Guidance on the clinical assessment and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatology. 2023;77(5):1797-1835. doi:10.1097/HEP.0000000000000323
Cusi K, Isaacs S, Barb D, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Primary Care and Endocrinology Clinical Settings: Co-Sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). Endocr Pract. 2022;28(5):528-562. doi:10.1016/j.eprac.2022.03.010
Stern C, Castera L. Identification of high-risk subjects in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Clin Mol Hepatol. 2023;29(Suppl):S196-S206. doi:10.3350/cmh.2022.0431
Monday Sep 22, 2025
Monday Sep 22, 2025
Coronary calcium scores are highly utilized to spot hidden cardiovascular risk, and new research suggests that timing is important. Today’s conversation between Maeson Latsko, PhD and Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC will break down how timing plays a role in proper assessment of calcium scoring, and how biomarker testing such as Apolipoprotein B, Myeloperoxidase, Lp-PLA2, and hs-CRP can be paired with physiological assessments like calcium scoring to help guide patient care, especially when calcium scoring doesn’t tell the full story.
This episode will
Review what calcium scoring is (1:30)
Discuss how timing of calcium scoring can influence interpretation of results (3:15)
Explain why statin-treated patients should not monitor their risk using a calcium score (7:00)
Discuss ways biomarker testing such as ApoB, MPO, Lp-pla2, and hs-CRP can reveal hidden risk outside of the window indicated for calcium scoring (11:30; 14:30)
To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 9/2025
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Kathryn Morales, MS
Additional Resources:
Apolipoprotein B | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics
hs-CRP | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics
Lp-pla2 | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics
Myeloperoxidase | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 2025
In this episode of Healthier World designed to give you instant insights, we introduce the Cleveland HeartLab and its role as a Center of Excellence for cardiometabolic, endocrine, and wellness testing at Quest Diagnostics. In this episode, Dr. Maeson Latsko hosts a segment featuring various leaders from Cleveland HeartLab and Quest Diagnostics, including Marc Penn, MD, PhD, Mouris Saghir, PhD, Tim Collier, PhD and Jim Davis. They discuss their mission to improve heart disease prevention and associated metabolic conditions through cutting-edge research and personalized care.
This episode will
Discuss the need for better chronic disease prevention (1:40)
Review the cardiometabolic approach to healthcare (2:15)
Highlight the technology behind Cleveland Heartlab testing (2:45)
Introduce Cleveland Heart Lab as the center of excellence (3:30)
To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 8/2025
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD, Millicent Kee, NP
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Obesity affects over 40% of adults in the United States. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, a class of medications initially developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, have shown significant efficacy in promoting weight loss and are increasingly prescribed for obesity management. In today’s episode, Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC, Clinical and Education Specialist, and Patty Bianchi, MS, RDN, CDCES, Clinical Educator at Quest Diagnostics Center of Excellence at Cleveland HeartLab, will discuss GLP-1 receptor agonists, their actions in the body, and the important role of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle alongside these medications.
This episode will
Discuss the actions of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the body (1:38)
Discuss how GLP-1s influence appetite and hunger (3:18)
Discuss the role of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle while on GLP-1 therapy (6:38)
Discuss how weight loss may also improve cardiometabolic health and lower insulin resistance utilizing a patient example (18:00)
To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 8/2025
Speaker(s): Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Patricia Bianchi, MS, RDN, CDCES
Contributor(s): Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Patricia Bianchi, MS, RDN, CDCES; Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD
Additional Resources
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]
References:
Neff LM, Kushner RF. Emerging role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of obesity. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2010 Jul 20; 3:263-73. doi: 10.2147/dmsott. s6816
Stierman B, Afful J, Carroll MD, et al. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–March 2020 prepandemic data files development of files and prevalence estimates for selected health outcomes. Natl Health Stat Report. 2021;158. doi: 10.15620/cdc:106273
Related Content:
FAQ
CardioIQ® Insulin Resistance Panel with Score | Quest Diagnostics
Additional Resources
Weight management and cardiometabolic health | Quest Diagnostics
Audio Podcast
Instant Insight: Metabolic Risk Panel | Quest Diagnostics
Action From Insight: Tackling Insulin Resistance | Quest Diagnostics
Conference Presentation
Measures of Insulin Resistance (IR) Increase with Increasing BMI in a Population of Normoglycemic Working Adults | Quest Diagnostics
On-Demand Webinar
Detecting and Managing Insulin Resistance | Quest Diagnostics
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Monday Aug 04, 2025
In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, we review a panel that takes a deeper look at cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, endocrine, and metabolic health—a network of systems that work together to determine a person’s long-term health. Today we will break down what this panel includes and how it can help prevent the onset of chronic disease years before symptoms start.
This episode will
Explain why this panel was created (1:10)
Examine how the panel provides a comprehensive view of cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, renal, and hepatic risk (3:35)
Discuss the clinical relevance of this panel in prevention screening and risk stratification for cardiometabolic conditions (5:30)
To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 8/2025
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Kathryn Morales; Abhi Patel
Resources
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]
Podcast: The Cardiometabolic approach to modern disease risk assessment
Ordering information:
Cardiometabolic Disease Assessment (CMDA) Panel | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics
Monday Jul 14, 2025
Monday Jul 14, 2025
In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, we explore a vascular-specific inflammatory marker that can indicate risk for cardiometabolic disease and all-cause mortality—myeloperoxidase. In this episode, we break down the biology and function of MPO, its contribution to vascular inflammation, and its potential as a biomarker of vulnerable soft plaque in the arteries.
This episode will
Define myeloperoxidase (MPO) and describe its biological function (1:20)
Explain the relationship between MPO and vascular inflammation (2:15)
Recognize the role of MPO in cardiometabolic disease (2:55)
Review treatment considerations for elevated MPO (3:45)
The content was current as of the time of recording. To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 7/2025
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC
Additional Resources
Ordering information:
MPO ordering information
MPO Test Summary
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]
References:
Iakoubova OA, Haji-Sheikhi F, Louie JZ, et al. Association of MPO levels with cardiometabolic disease stratified by atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk and intensity of therapy in a workforce population. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):12244. Published 2025 Apr 10. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-89373-7
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Inflammation plays a critical role in cardiometabolic diseases, but traditional risk markers like LDL-C and hs-CRP don’t tell the whole story. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), an enzyme linked to oxidative stress and immune activation, may offer a deeper look into hidden cardiovascular and metabolic risk. In this episode, Dr Marc Penn unpacks the new research examining the association between MPO and the risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) across atherogenic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk groups and what it might mean for prevention and tailored treatment.
This episode will
Define MPO (1:30, 5:00)
Explain the role of MPO as an inflammatory biomarker and how it differs from traditional cardiometabolic risk markers (2:00)
Reveal relationships between MPO, CKD, and NAFLD (7:00)
Outline how providers can use MPO to enhance risk stratification and personalize treatment strategies (9:25)
Inform listeners on the importance of early detection and prevention of risk factors for cardiometabolic risk (13:00)
The content was current as of the time of recording. To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 6/2025
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Dr Marc Penn
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Kathryn Morales, MS
Additional Resources
Ordering information
MPO ordering information
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]
References
Iakoubova OA, Haji-Sheikhi F, Louie JZ, et al. Association of MPO levels with cardiometabolic disease stratified by atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk and intensity of therapy in a workforce population. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):12244. Published 2025 Apr 10. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-89373-7
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, we dive into advanced lipid testing—going beyond a standard lipid panel. Today, we will explore two powerful tools used to look at lipoprotein fractionation: ion mobility and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We will look at how these tests work and how they can uncover hidden risk for cardiovascular disease.
This episode will
Expand on the importance of lipoprotein fractionation by ion mobility and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (1:15)
Interpret key lipid analytes provided using two methodologies, NMR and ion mobility, as they relate to cardiovascular disease risk (LDL: 3:00, HDL: 4:40, VLDL: 5:30, LDL pattern and LDL peak size: 6:00)
Evaluate report analytes and risk cut points between methods (6:45)
The content was current as of the time of recording. To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 6/2025
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Abhi Patel
Additional Resources
Ordering information:
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]
Fractionation, Ion Mobility
Fractionation, NMR
References:
Cromwell WC, Otvos JD, Keyes MJ, et al. LDL Particle Number and Risk of Future Cardiovascular Disease in the Framingham Offspring Study - Implications for LDL Management. J Clin Lipidol. 2007;1(6):583-592. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2007.10.001
German CA, Shapiro MD. Assessing Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk with Advanced Lipid Testing: State of the Science. Eur Cardiol. 2020;15:e56. doi:10.15420/ecr.2019.18
Quesada JA, Bertomeu-González V, Orozco-Beltrán D, et al. The benefits of measuring the size and number of lipoprotein particles for cardiovascular risk prediction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Investig Arterioscler. 2023;35(4):165-177. doi:10.1016/j.arteri.2022.11.001
Monday Jun 02, 2025
Monday Jun 02, 2025
In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, we take a look at primary aldosteronism (PA)- an often underdiagnosed, yet prevalent cause of hypertension. In this episode, we challenge traditional screening methods and introduce a streamlined diagnostic approach. By recognizing the signs of Primary Aldosteronism earlier, providers can improve patient outcomes and avoid increased risk for cardiovascular and metabolic conditions associated with untreated PA.
This episode will
Explain the mechanisms underlying PA and how they disrupt the normal renin-aldosterone feedback system (1:15)
Highlight the limitations of traditional methodology, including the aldosterone-renin-ratio (ARR) (2:25)
Introduce a streamlined approach focused on the detection of suppressed renin followed by evaluation of aldosterone levels (3:00)
Walk through an example comparing the ARR with the suppressed renin approach for assessing PA (5:05)
The content was current as of the time of recording. To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 6/2025
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Akhil Singh
Additional Resources:
https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/endocrine-disorders/primary-aldosteronism
Ordering information:
Plasma Renin Activity with Reflex to Aldosterone | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics
References:
Marcelli M, Bi C, Funder JW, McPhaul MJ. Comparing ARR Versus Suppressed PRA as Screening Tests for Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension. 2024;81(10):2072-2081. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.124.22884
Dogra P, Bancos I, Young WF Jr. Primary Aldosteronism: A Pragmatic Approach to Diagnosis and Management. Mayo Clin Proc. 2023;98(8):1207-1215. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.04.023
Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
Understanding the diagnosis and treatment in primary aldosteronism (PA) often feels elusive to most providers. PA is marked by the elevation of aldosterone and the suppression of renin leading to a disproportionately higher risk of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic disease compared to those patients with essential hypertension, yet this condition is often undiagnosed. This episode will discuss the use of the Plasma Renin Activity lab to screen for primary aldosteronism and guideline-directed care of PA. In today’s episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD and Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC, Clinical and Education Specialists at Quest Diagnostics Center of Excellence at Cleveland Heartlab, will discuss the next steps in care once primary aldosteronism has been identified.
This episode will
Discuss the prevalence of PA and its impact on health (1:30)
Discuss use of the PRA lab to screen for PA (4:15)
Review current diagnosis and treatment guidelines for PA (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) treatment: 6:50, MRA considerations: 13:00)
Discuss how providers can utilize current treatment guidelines (referral: 9:45, imaging: 11:00, surgical evaluation: 11:45)
The content was current as of the time of recording. To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 5/2025
Speaker(s): Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Millicent Kee; MSN, FNP-BC; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Sanjay Dixit, MD; Akhil Singh
Additional Resources
Ordering information:
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]
Plasma Renin Activity with Reflex to Aldosterone | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics
https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/endocrine-disorders/primary-aldosteronism
References:
Auchus RJ. Approaching Primary Aldosteronism as a Common Disease. Endocr Pract. 2023;29(12):994-998. doi:10.1016/j.eprac. 2023.08.014
Brown JM, Tsai LC, Abel EE, et al. Nationwide, Pragmatic, Direct-to-Patient Primary Aldosteronism Testing Program. Hypertension. 2025 Feb 21. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.125.24648.
Funder JW, Carey RM, Mantero F, et al. The Management of Primary Aldosteronism: Case Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(5):1889-1916. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-4061
Marcelli M, Bi C, Funder JW, McPhaul MJ. Comparing ARR Versus Suppressed PRA as Screening Tests for Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension. 2024;81(10):2072-2081. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.124.22884