The determination of lipoprotein Lp(a) by rate and endpoint nephelometry

Rate nephelometry is a fast and convenient method for Lp(a) quantification. The linearity in the range of the physiological serum concentrations is good and there is good correlation with other immunochemical methods. The antibody consumption is some 50% higher when compared to the Laurell procedure if light scatter is measured in the RU mode. Measurements in the SU mode on the other hand consume less antibody than the Laurell procedure. The endpoint method, however, is more time-consuming and considered to be less accurate. In addition, only clear samples should be used. Lipemic sera should be cleared by lipase treatment or by high speed centrifugation. The treatment of samples with detergents causes a pronounced reduction of the immunochemical response and thus should be avoided.