Which method is recognized as the reference method for HDL cholesterol?

The reference method for HDL cholesterol is ultracentrifugation due to its ability to accurately separate lipoproteins based on their density. This technique allows for the precise measurement of HDL cholesterol by separating it from other lipoproteins in the sample. The process involves subjecting a serum or plasma sample to high-speed centrifugation, which results in the formation of different layers corresponding to the various lipoproteins. HDL can then be isolated, and its cholesterol content can be quantified.

Ultracentrifugation is critical in clinical chemistry as it serves as a benchmark for evaluating the accuracy of other HDL cholesterol measurement methods. It is generally considered more reliable than other methods because it minimizes interference from non-HDL particles, thereby ensuring that the measurement reflects true HDL levels. While other methods like those using magnesium salts can also estimate HDL cholesterol, they do not provide the same level of precision or validation as ultracentrifugation.