Identification of variables critical to reproducible delipidation of serum

We have developed a modified method for delipidation of serum which allows for highly reproducible preparations. Using this method, rigorous control of experimental conditions for investigation of lipid metabolism in vitro can be attained. To consistently obtain dry, white flakes of protein which readily dissolve to form delipidated serum, we have established that (a) the exact time at which the delipidated protein precipitate is rinsed with ethyl ether and (b) the thickness of the filtered protein cake, quantitated as square centimeter filter area per milliliter of serum delipidated, must be carefully controlled.