Salkowski test consists of
The Salkowski test consists of a coloring reagent called a salkowski reagent (also called Zak reagent). Salkowski reagent is a modified form of the original Salkowski reagent that was developed by Salkowski E. in 1872. The Salkowski test is a quantitative test that is used to estimate the total cholesterol in the sample.
Salkowski reagent preparation
To carry out the salkowski test we first need to prepare the salkowski reagent. The salkowski reagent preparation involves the following steps;
- Dissolve 0.1 g of FeCl3 in 1 mL of glacial acetic acid
- After complete dissolution, transfer it to a 100 mL volumetric flask.
- Dilute the reagent to 100 mL using concentrated sulfuric acid (98 %). Please be careful while adding the sulfuric acid, add it slowly using the 10 mL glass pipette.
- The reagent should be slightly yellow and transparent. If not, then filter the reagent using glass wool to remove any debris.
Estimation of the total cholesterol by the salkowski test
To perform the salkowski test for the estimation of the total cholesterol, add 2 mL of the Salkowski reagent to the 3 mL of the glacial acetic acid-containing cholesterol sample. Be careful while adding the reagent. Add the reagent slowly, and then mix the two layers. Initially, a light brown color appears that turns into a purple color within a minute. Let the reaction cool down to room temperature and then read the absorbance at 560 nm.
You can even scale it down so that you can perform it in a 96-well microplate. For the 96-well microplate, add 180 µL of the cholesterol standard/sample in duplicates and then add 120 µL of the salkowski reagent. Mix well by pipetting up and down until the color turns violet. Incubate the plate for 5-10 minutes and read the absorbance at 560 nm.
Standard calibration curve
During the salkowski test, you will need a standard calibration curve. To prepare a standard calibration curve, prepare the stock solution of the cholesterol (0.3 mg/mL) in glacial acetic acid. Take 3.6 µL to 36 µL of cholesterol from the stock solution to microplate in duplicates and then add the glacial acetic acid to make it 180 µL. These 10 standards will give you the range of concentration from 0 ng to 60 ng.
Now, add 120 µL of Salkowski reagent (total reaction volume 300 µL) and mix it well by pipetting up and down. After mixing, allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes and then read the absorbance at 560 nm. Draw the standard calibration curve in excel and use the linear regression equation. Now you can calculate the total cholesterol of the serum sample.
Reference: Zlatkis, A., Zak, B., Boyle, A.J. 1953. A new method for the direct determination of serum cholesterol. Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine
