Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) has been implicated in the
pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The most common technique for measuri
ng the oxidation of Lipoproteins is the continuos measurement of the f
ormation of conjugated diene at OD 234 nm. The concept of ''lag time''
, derived from such measurements, has been used to test the efficacy o
f various antioxidants for their ability to inhibit the oxidation of L
DL. This review will elaborate on some of the factors that might affec
t the lag time.