Improved Specificity of a New Homogeneous Assay for LDL-Cholesterol in Serum with Abnormal Lipoproteins

Abstract

Background: Although a homogeneous assay for serum LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) has become a routine clinical procedure, problems remain in assay performance characteristics. Methods: We examined the performance of a recently developed automated homogeneous assay (New-Daiichi assay) for serum LDL-C and compared the results with those obtained by the current homogeneous method (Denka-Seiken assay) or by ultracentrifugation as a control. Results: The New-Daiichi assay showed satisfactory basic performance characteristics such as reproducibility, linearity, and stability. There was no interference in the assay by various substances examined. The LDL-C values obtained with this method correlated well with those obtained by ultracentrifugation. In samples from patients with obstructive jaundice, both methods detected cholesterol from abnormal lipoproteins (such as lipoprotein-X and -Y), but the New-Daiichi assay was less reactive and more specific for LDL-C. Conclusion: The new method has improved performance for the accurate measurement of LDL-C in clinical practice.