Factors involved in the determination of triglycerides in serum: an international study

Ten laboratories analysed five different specimens in duplicate on ten separate occasions by one, or several, of five common triglyceride methods. Simple statistical data are presented and, as far as possible, these are interpreted in the light of the methods used and the results of chemical analyses of the materials. Great variability was found between the results of the participating laboratories. The major factor involved seems to be the material specific nature of the methods under study. At least one method in common use is contraindicated.