Leiden Apolipoprotein Reference Laboratory (LARL)
Services offered
Interested parties should contact LARL by email (LARL@lumc.nl) to discuss details and specifics of all services. Currently, two services are offered by LARL: a Certification Program as well as value assignment services.
The Reference Measurement System (RMS)
Within the LARL, an IFCC-endorsed mass spectrometry based, second generation, multiplexed Reference Measurement Procedure (RMP) for the standardization of serum apolipoproteins (apo) is operational. The RMP is established within the IFCC working group for standardization of Apolipoproteins by Mass Spectrometry. The bottom-up, targeted proteomics approach using liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and the use of stable isotope labelled peptides, allows for apolipoprotein quantification at the molecular level in an antibody independent manner.
Certification Program
The certification program of the LARL provides IVD manufacturers with trueness evaluation of their apolipoprotein medical tests through a head-to-head method comparison with the LARL LC-MS based RMP as the gold standard. The certification sets (trueness verifiers) consist of Caucasian, single-donor, fresh-frozen, commutable human serum samples. The protocol can be requested by email (LARL@lumc.nl).
Frequently asked questions
Value Assignment
LARL offers the value assignment of apo(a), apoA-I and apoBtotal in commutable, human serum materials provided by EQA-organizers, clinical researchers, pharma-industry, and other interested third parties. The materials are measured using the RMP in sixfold using a 2 x 3 design. The concentration of the apolipoprotein of interest is reported in nmol/L for apo(a) and in g/L for apoA-I and apoBtotal.
The LARL has quarterly schedules for value assignment. The quarterly value assignment rounds start on the 15th of September, December, March, and June.
After timely contracting, The materials to be value assigned should be received at latest on the 5th of every month in which value assignment rounds are scheduled. The turn-around time and reporting time is 6 weeks, counting from the quarterly 15th day when value assignments start.
Please contact LARL (LARL@lumc.nl) sufficiently in advance to discuss material requirements, pricing and contracting to ensure participation in a specific round.
Frequently asked questions
Key publications
Team members
- Prof. Dr. V. (Volkher) Scharnhorst - Head of Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
- Dr. L.R. (Renee) Ruhaak - Associate Professor
- E.J.J. (Ernst) Leijnse - Scientist
- E.R. (Edwin) Schipper - Senior Research Analist
- M.M. (Mervin) Pieterse – Technician
Contact
Contact
Dr. L.R. (Renee) Ruhaak
E.J.J. (Ernst) Leijnse
LARL@lumc.nl
Contact
Dr. L.R. (Renee) Ruhaak
E.J.J. (Ernst) Leijnse
LARL@lumc.nl
Address
Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC)
Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
Leiden Apolipoprotein Reference Laboratory
Postzone E2-P
Albinusdreef 2
2333 ZA Leiden
The Netherlands