Lipoprotein classification by analytical ultracentrifugation

Plasma lipoproteins from normal patients with hyperlipidaemia were separated by electrophoresis and analytical ultracentrifugation and the lipoprotein patterns classified. Electrophoresis suffered from being only qualitative but it was quick, relatively inexpensive and, in combination with plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, it classified the majority of plasma samples. Classification was not always definite and more difficult when only electrophoresis or plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels were used. Analytical ultracentrifugation resolved and quantitated the lipoproteins satisfactorily and all the samples were classified. This method was indispensible for definitive analysis of borderline and difficult cases but the cost of the equipment precludes its use in routine clinical practice.