An improved semi-automated method for the colorimetric determination of triglycerides in serum

A semi-automated colorimetric determination for triglycerides in serum is described. The extraction is performed in sample cups and a part of the upper layer is sampled automatically. The use of modified reagents leads to greater stability and results in only one phase in the continuous flow system. The method is simple and inexpensive and therefore convenient for most laboratories with increasing requests for triglyceride determinations in serum. The method also shows good reproducibility and excellent correlation with the enzymatic method (Eggstein, M. and Kreuz, F.H. (1966) Klin. Wochenschr., 267-273).