FULLY AUTOMATED LIPID PANEL

The fully automated lipid panel described in this article is composed of four clinical tests - total cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A-1, and apolipoprotein B. A computer program was written to execute the simultaneous performance and evaluation of these methodologically disimilar but clinically related tests. Diagnostic evaluation of the results for these tests was considered individually and together as a panel because the presence or absence of clinically meaningful patterns of lipid metabolism enhanced the usefulness of the individual tests. The sample volume for each profile test is less than 10-mu-L, there are no preparatory procedures, and all tests are highly accurate and can be performed for less than $3.00 per patient. Other apolipoprotein or enzyme tests measured at 340 nm may be added to the panel, making this approach suitable for detailed diagnostic examinations as well as clinical research.