Assessment of the need for triglyceride blank measurements.

Two methods of triglycerideblank measurement were critically investigated. For 38 samples a mean blank value of 7.2 mg/dl was obtained when the blanks were measured by replacingthe saponifying reagent with 80% isopropanol. For the same samples, consistently higher blank values were obtained (mean = 18.3 mg/dl) when these were determined by the Kessler-Lederer method. It is suggested that, when true blank values are desired, the former method is to be preferred. Based on theoretical considerations, however, as well as on our experimental data on the effect of in vitro hydrolysis on triglyceride blank measurements, we recommend that in routine triglyceride measurements, blank determinations are not needed.