Cholesterol methodology for human studies

A classification and review of the methodology involved in the determination of serum cholesterol for human (or animal) studies are presented. The purpose of both is to enable selection of a technique appropriate for the assay intended with a reasonable understanding of its advantages, disadvantages and limitations. The various methods discussed include direct reaction systems, partial isolation systems and complete isolation systems, as well as screening, reference and definitive procedures. The interferences that could occur are considered, especially those caused by hemoglobin, the turbidity in lipidemia, and bilirubin, as well as interferences caused by optical aberrations and chemical reactants. The various instrumental methods used to determine cholesterol or a substitute determinand such as hydrogem peroxide are discussed, including spectrophotometry, electrochemistry and densitometry of electrophoretically separated proteins.