Classification of hyperlipoproteinaemias by computer interpretation.

We have developed a microcomputer-based system for the classification and interpretative reporting of lipoprotein electrophoretic data. The decision logic takes into consideration the sex and age of the subject, the concentration of total cholesterol and triglyceride, the appearance of the serum after standing at 4 degrees C for 18 h or more and the type of lipoprotein abnormality observed from polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis to produce a phenotype according to the classification developed by Fredrickson and co-workers. As the hyperlipoproteinaemia may be primary or secondary to a number of associated conditions, these are included in the report with the six possible phenotypes. A high correlation (98.7%) between manual and computer interpretation was found for 152 consecutive cases of lipoprotein phenotyping.