Blood collection tube-related alterations in analyte concentrations in quality control material and serum specimens.
Author(s): Bowen RA, Sattayapiwat A, Gounden V, Remaley AT
Publication: Clin Biochem, 2014, Vol. 47(3), Page 150-7
PubMed ID: 24240064 PubMed Review Paper? No
Purpose of Paper
The purpose of this paper was to determine the effects of collection tube type on measurement of triiodothyronine (TT3), thyroxine (TT4), cortisol, and other clinical chemistry analyte levels in serum.
Conclusion of Paper
Statistically significant differences in TT4 were observed between the plain glass tubes (standard) and Vacuettes and serum separator tubes (SST), but the differences were not clinically significant. Levels of the other analytes were not significantly different between plain glass, Vacuette, plain plastic red-top tubes (PRT), rapid serum tubes (RST), and SST collection tubes.
Studies
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Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of collection tube type on measurement of TT3, TT4, cortisol, and 14 other clinical chemistry analyte levels in serum. All serum was processed within 2 hours of collection. Serum in Vacuette, SST, and RST was left on the separator while serum in plain glass tubes and PRT was transferred to plastic test tubes after centrifugation. Specimens were either left at room temperature and tested within 4 h, or they were stored at 4 degrees C for up to 7 days prior to testing.
Summary of Findings:
Statistically significant differences in TT4 were observed between the plain glass tubes (standard) and Vacuettes (p=0.0037) and SST (p=0.0001), but the differences were not clinically significant. Serum TT3 and cortisol measurements were not significantly different between plain glass, Vacuette, PRT, RST, and SST collection tubes. Nor were significant differences were observed between the 5 collection tubes types in the levels of 14 other clinical chemistry analytes in serum. The authors highlight that levels of TT3, TT4, and cortisol were significantly affected by collection tube type when QC material was poured into the tubes prior to analysis.
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- None (Fresh)
- Other Preservative
Diagnoses:
- Normal
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Peptide Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Steroid Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Protein Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Small molecule Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Electrolyte/Metal Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Gas Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Carbohydrate Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Biospecimen Acquisition Type of collection container/solution Glass tube
Vacuette
PRT
RST
SST