Differences between values for plasma and serum in tests performed in the Ektachem 700 XR Analyzer, and evaluation of "plasma separator tubes (PST)".
Author(s): Doumas BT, Hause LL, Simuncak DM, Breitenfeld D
Publication: Clin Chem, 1989, Vol. 35, Page 151-3
PubMed ID: 2910557 PubMed Review Paper? No
Purpose of Paper
Conclusion of Paper
Studies
-
Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare levels of 25 clinical chemistry analytes in plasma and serum specimens.
Summary of Findings:
No differences were found between plasma and serum levels of creatinine, glucose, alkaline phosphatase (AP), HCO3, calcium, chloride, creatinine kinase (CK), glucose, gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT), LD, magnesium (Mg), triglycerides, urea, nitrogen and uric acid. Higher levels of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, total bilirubin, and sodium (Na) were found in plasma than in serum, and higher levels of lipase and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were found in serum than plasma, but these differences were not enough to be clinically relevant. Plasma levels of phosphorous and K were lower than in serum, and plasma levels of total protein, amylase and AST were higher than in serum.
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- None (Fresh)
Diagnoses:
- Normal
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Electrolyte/Metal Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Carbohydrate Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Lipid Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Small molecule Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Steroid Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Protein Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Biospecimen Acquisition Anticoagulant Heparin
None
Biospecimen Aliquots and Components Blood and blood products Plasma
Serum
-
Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of collection of specimens in PST rather than heparinized tubes on 25 clinical chemistry analytes in plasma.
Summary of Findings:
Collection of plasma in PST rather than heparinized tubes resulted in clinically insignificant changes of less than 4% in the levels of all analytes.
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- None (Fresh)
Diagnoses:
- Normal
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Carbohydrate Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Electrolyte/Metal Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Lipid Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Protein Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Steroid Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Small molecule Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Biospecimen Acquisition Type of collection container/solution Plasma separation tube
Heparinized tube
-
Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of storing plasma in PST on HCO3, glucose, K, and LD. Plasma was stored at room temperature for the first 8 h and then at 4 degrees C.
Summary of Findings:
There was a high degree of variability in the effects of storage on glucose, K and HCO3. K levels were stable for up to 8 h, after which time they increased progressively. In contrast, glucose levels were stable for 2 h, but then declined rapidly. LD levels were already changed by 2 h, however the magnitude of the change was clinically insignificant until several hours had passed. HCO3 levels were slightly decreased after 2 h and continued to decrease rapidly leading to a 29% decrease after 24 h of storage.
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- None (Fresh)
Diagnoses:
- Normal
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Protein Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Electrolyte/Metal Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Carbohydrate Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Storage Storage duration < 30 min
2 h
4 h
6 h
8 h
24 h
2 days
3 days
4 days
5 days
Storage Storage temperature Room temperature
4 degrees C
Storage Type of storage container Plasma separation tube