Serum collected with lithium iodoacetate is unsuitable for electrolyte and lactate dehydrogenase measurements.

Author(s): Robertson EA, Chesler RA, Elin RJ

Publication: Clin Chem, 1980, Vol. 26, Page 1228-9

PubMed ID: 7389098 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 anticoagulant, specimen volume and analysis method on measurement of electrolytes and LD in blood specimens.

   Summary of Findings:

   When 3 mL of blood was collected in tubes containing lithium iodoacetate, more chloride (p<0.0001), potassium (p<0.001), and LD (p<0.0001) and less sodium (p<0.0001) were measured when compared to blood collected in SST. These effects were attenuated when a 10 mL draw volume was used instead of 3 mL but were still significant for all analytes except, carbon dioxide and sodium measured using the PVA-4 photovolt analyzer. There were no differences in measured carbon dioxide levels between lithium iodoacetate tubes and SST. The authors believe the increases in potassium and LD were most likely due to approximately 100 fold more hemolysis in specimens collected in tubes containing lithium iodoacetate (p<0.01). The increase in chloride with lithium iodoacetate tubes was larger when measured using the PVA-4 analyzer compared to SMAC. Furthermore, adding sodium iodide to sera increased measured chloride using the PVA-4 photovolt analyzer. The authors conclude that blood specimens collected in tubes containing lithium iodoacetate are not suitable for analysis of electrolytes and LD, particularly using the PVA-4 photovolt analyzer.

   Biospecimens

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

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Not specified

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Protein	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Protein	Hematology/ auto analyzer
   Electrolyte/Metal	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Gas	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Morphology	Macroscopic observation

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Aliquot size/volume	3 mL 10 mL
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Blood and blood products	Plasma Serum
   Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Specific	Technology platform	PVA-4 Photovolt analyzer Technicon SMAC

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