Evaluation of three different specimen types (serum, plasma lithium heparin and serum gel separator) for analysis of certain analytes: clinical significance of differences in results and efficiency in use.

Author(s): O'Keane MP, Cunningham SK

Publication: Clin Chem Lab Med, 2006, Vol. 44, Page 662-8

PubMed ID: 16681442 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of collection tube type and storage of plasma or serum in the collection tube at room temperature, or as aliquots at 4 degrees C on biochemistry analytes and phenytoin.

   Summary of Findings:

   Potassium levels were higher in serum than plasma and were higher when collected in S than when collected in SST, but all other differences were less than 3% and considered clinically insignificant. When stored at room temperature, potassium, urea and creatinine were most stable when stored in SST and least stable in plasma. In contrast, phenytoin levels decreased significantly after 24 h at room temperature in SST but were stable when stored at room temperature in plasma or S. Carbon dioxide was unstable in plasma or serum stored at room temperature or 4 degrees C, regardless of container. Sodium, chloride, cholesterol, and triglycerides were stable at room temperature for at least 48 h in all containers, and all analytes, except carbon dioxide, were stable for at least 48 h at 4 degrees C.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Serum
   • Bodily Fluid - Plasma
   • Bodily Fluid - Blood

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Not specified

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Electrolyte/Metal	Ion selective electrode
   Gas	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Steroid	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Steroid	Colorimetric assay
   Lipid	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Small molecule	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Small molecule	Colorimetric assay

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Storage	Storage duration	<2 h 24 h 48 h
   Storage	Storage temperature	4 degrees C Room temperature
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Blood and blood products	Plasma Serum
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Type of collection container/solution	Serum vacutainer tube Serum gel separator tube Lithium heparin vacutainer

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