In beta quantification, ultracentrifugation is used to remove which lipoproteins?

• A. Chylomicrons and VLDL
• B. LDL and HDL
• C. HDL only
• D. All lipoproteins

Answer: (A)

Beta quantification measures LDL cholesterol by isolating the beta-lipoprotein (LDL) fraction through density-based separation. Chylomicrons and VLDL are the lighter, triglyceride-rich particles. Using ultracentrifugation, these less dense lipoproteins are removed, so the remaining fraction contains the denser lipoproteins, allowing the LDL portion to be quantified more accurately. This step specifically targets the particles that could interfere with LDL measurement. Removing LDL or HDL would defeat the purpose, and removing all lipoproteins would leave nothing to measure. So the lipoproteins removed at this stage are the chylomicrons and VLDL.