Stabilizers for reconstituted, lyophilized samples

A stabilized serum matrix or serum-derived composition comprising

• lipids,
• and a clarity stabilizer selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose, lactose, arabinose, sorbitol, fructose, xylitol, mannitol, and glucosamine;
• said stabilizer being present in at least an amount sufficient to measurably reduce the optical density of the composition, after lyophilization and reconstitution with water, below the optical density of said lyophilized and reconstituted matrix or composition lacking said stabilizer, when measured at 700 nm. using a 1 cm. path length.

A serum assay standard, comprising

• a lipid selected from cholesterol, cholesterol esters and triglyceride;
• and a clarity stabilizer comprising a sugar, sugar amine, or sugar alcohol in at least an amount sufficient to measurably reduce the optical density of the standard, after lyophilization and reconstitution with water, below the optical density of said lyophilized and reconstituted standard lacking said stabilizer, when measured at 700nm. using a 1 cm. path length.

A serum assay standard comprising

• a lipid selected from cholesterol, cholesterol esters, and triglyceride;
• and a clarity stabilizer selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose, lactose, arabinose, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and glucosamine;
• said stabilize being present in at least an amount sufficient to measurably reduce the optical density of the standard, after lyophilization and reconstitution with water, below the optical density of said lyophilized and reconstituted standard lacking said stabilizer, when measured at 700 nm. using a 1 cm. path length.

In a method of maintaining homogeneity in a lipid-containing serum matrix or serum-derived composition, wherein said matrix or composition is lyophilized and then reconstituted;

• the improvement comprising the step of
• adding to said matrix or composition prior to the lyophilization step, a clarity stabilizer comprising a sugar, sugar amine, or sugar alcohol in at least an amount sufficient to measurably reduce the optical density of the composition, after lyophilization and reconstitution with water, below the optical density of said lyophilized and reconstituted matrix or composition lacking said stabilizer, when measured at 700 nm. using a 1 cm. path length;
• whereby upon reconstitution with water said matrix or composition has a reduced amount of turbidity.