The case against routine lipoprotein electrophoresis.

We evaluate the role of lipoprotein electrophoresis as part of the routine lipogram. Analysis of 875 samples shows that it rarely provides more information than can be obtained from estimation of serum cholesterol and triglycerides with a simple test for chylomicrons. We stress the difficulties and arbitrary nature of qualitative interpretation of the electrophoretic patterns, Furthermore, electrophoretic typing is not essential for the management of patients, nor does it form the basis of current classifications of hyperlipidaemia. We argue that lipoprotein electrophoresis has a very limited place in the diagnosis and management of the individual patient.