Analytical method and application of formulas in the determination of LDL cholesterol

Abstract

In the clinical laboratory, the evaluation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a critical parameter in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. The present literature review work has a documentary design that compiled published information from the last five years on LDL cholesterol. The objective was to compare direct methods with formulas in the quantification of LDL cholesterol, in order to identify the most accurate method in clinical practice. The relevant point of this study is that laboratories frequently use formulas due to the simplicity of the mathematical calculations, however, it has been observed that in elevated triglyceride levels the formulas are inaccurate. The conclusion is that homogeneous assays are more accurate than LDL cholesterol estimation formulas.