The determination of cholesterol by the Liebermann-Burchard reaction

Abstract

Factors influencing the color development in the Liebermann-Burchard reaction for the detn. of cholesterol were investigated. The alteration in the densities of the absorption bands with temp. were studied, and a simple relationship estsblished for the conditions descr. A method for the estimation of serum or plasma total cholesterol suitable for routine clinical work was evolved on the basis of the above findings, measuring the yellow component of the color and employing a filter having a max. transmission at 430 m[mu]. From a series of 200 normals a mean plasma total cholesterol of 197 [plus or minus] 4 mg. (S. E. M.)/ 100 ml., S. D. 39 mg., was found.