Alteration of serum lipid values and lipoproteins by bacteria as a possible cause of artifacts in the screening of dyslipoproteinemias.

The intriguing observation of phospholipid deficiency in serum is described. The most prominent feature of sera was the completely abnormal lipoprotein electrophoretic pattern. The predominant occurrance of the phenomenon in the warm season suggested bacterial growth producing phospholipase C. B. cereus could be isolated from sera. In order to prevent these artifacts it is suggested to add 1 mg of Na2-EDTA to each ml of sample before dispatch.