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Biological variation in serum lipid concentrations.

P N Durrington¹

¹University of Manchester Department of Medicine, UK.

Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation. Supplementum

|January 1, 1990

Summary

Serum lipid levels like cholesterol and triglycerides fluctuate significantly due to biological factors, not just lab errors. Understanding these variations is key for accurate health assessments.

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Area of Science:

Clinical Biochemistry
Human Physiology
Laboratory Medicine

Background:

Serum lipid concentrations exhibit considerable biological variation.
Laboratory error is a minor contributor to lipid level fluctuations compared to biological factors.
Understanding factors influencing lipid levels is crucial for accurate interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the various biological and physiological factors that influence serum lipid concentrations.
To highlight the significance of non-laboratory-related variations in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Main Methods:

Literature review of factors affecting serum lipid concentrations.
Analysis of biological variability coefficients for cholesterol and triglycerides.
Discussion of physiological and lifestyle influences on lipid profiles.

Main Results:

Biological variation in cholesterol (5-10%) and triglycerides (5-25%) exceeds laboratory error.
Factors influencing lipids include sampling conditions, sample handling, meals, diurnal variation, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, season, age, and illness.
Specific examples include increased lipids during pregnancy and menopause, and altered levels during myocardial infarction.

Conclusions:

Serum lipid levels are dynamic and influenced by numerous biological and environmental factors.
Awareness of these fluctuations is essential for clinicians and researchers.
Further investigation into humoral factors and seasonal variations may be warranted.

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