Method for the clinical separation of alpha - and beta -lipoproteins

This invention relates to a separation method comprising the introduction of a sample of serum or plasma into a microcolumn containing a support which has a sulfated polysaccharide, preferably heparin, covalently bound to it so as to remove from said sample the beta -lipoproteins by binding thereof to this ligand, followed by washing the microcolumn with a first pH buffered solution and collecting the eluant representing a first fraction containing the alpha -lipoprotein portion of the sample. Then the microcolumn is washed wth a second pH buffered solution so as to release the ligand-bound beta -lipoproteins and to recover a second fraction containing the beta -lipoprotein portion of the sample. Afterwards, it is possible to separately determine the alpha - and beta -lipoprotein-cholesterol, as well as the respective alpha / beta ratios of phospholipids, triglycerides and various apoproteines, and to calculate the respective ratios alpha / beta , all useful as clinical diagnostic indexes and allowing to obtain a complete lipoprotein profiling. The invention also concerns a kit comprising in a transportable box all the implements and reagents duly prepared so as to easily and quickly carry out the above method.