Preparation of optically clear lyophilized human serum for use in preparing control material

We describe a simple, rapid process--which includes the specific precipitation of pre-beta and beta-lipoproteins with dextran sulfate and divalent metal ions--for preparing an optically clear human serum that retains its clarity upon reconstitution with water after having been frozen and lyophilized. Such serum contains the normal constituents of human serum, except for the removed lipoproteins. The process causes no apparent interference with results of analyses for 22 of the more commonly measured constituents. Fresh or aged pooled serum or blood-bank plasma containing acid-citrate-dextrose or citrate-phosphate-dextrose are equally suitable as raw materials. This stabilized serum is an excellent matrix for use in preparing standards and quality-control material for assay of components of human serum.