Lithium heparinised blood-collection tubes give falsely low albumin results with an automated bromcresol green method in haemodialysis patients.

Author(s): Meng QH, Krahn J

Publication: Clin Chem Lab Med, 2008, Vol. 46, Page 396-400

PubMed ID: 18254716 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 in vivo heparin administration and collection anticoagulant on plasma and serum albumin levels by the BCG and BCP methods.

   Summary of Findings:

   No effect of in vivo administration of heparin on albumin concentration in serum or plasma collected in EDTA, or heparinized tubes was observed in a single patient by either the BCP or the BCG method. However, collection of plasma in lithium heparin tubes resulted in significantly lower albumin levels by the BCG method than BCP in 30 non-renal patients (31.2 versus 34.1 g/L, p<0.001) and 30 hemodialysis patients (28.6 versus 32.8 g/L, p<0.001). The effect of heparin on plasma albumin levels was dose dependent. Heparinized plasma albumin levels were significantly lower from serum albumin levels only when quantified by BCG (31.2 versus 34.8 in non-renal patients p<0.001). Further, no effect of quantification method was observed on serum albumin levels. In conclusion, while in vivo heparin administration does not alter albumin quantification, the presence of lithium heparin in the collection tube caused decreased albumin quantification by the BCG but not BCP method.

   Biospecimens

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

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Other diagnoses
   • Normal

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Protein	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Preaquisition	Diagnosis/ patient condition	Renal failure on hemodialysis
   Preaquisition	Other drugs	Heparin
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Blood and blood products	Plasma Serum
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Anticoagulant	Lithium heparin EDTA
   Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Specific	Technology platform	Bromocresol purple (Beckman) Bromocresol green (Roche)

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