Evaluation of a homogeneous assay for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: limitations in patients with cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic disorders.

We evaluated the performance of a homogeneous assay for the automated measurement of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and compared it with a conventional precipitation technique in the following groups of people: control subjects (group A), clinically-healthy elderly (group B), myocardial infarction patients (group C), nephrotic syndrome patients (group D), and liver cirrhosis patients (group E). The performance of the technique was acceptable with respect to precision, accuracy, linearity, and detection limit. Triglycerides up to 40 mmol/L and bilirubin up to 150 micromol/L did not cause interferences. Hemoglobin decreased HDL-C measurements. Samples were stable at -20 degrees C for up to four months. Bland-Altman plots showed a good agreement between both techniques in the control group but with a progressive divergence in the patient groups B to E. Results indicate limitations of the technique in certain clinical conditions and, coincidentally, the need for reliable calibration materials.