Screening for microalbuminuria in patients with diabetes mellitus: frozen storage of urine samples decreases their albumin content.

Author(s): Elving LD, Bakkeren JA, Jansen MJ, de Kat Angelino CM, de Nobel E, van Munster PJ

Publication: Clin Chem, 1989, Vol. 35, Page 308-10

PubMed ID: 2914381 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 storage temperature and duration on urinary albumin concentration in overnight urine specimens from diabetic patients. All specimens were centrifuged prior to assay.

   Summary of Findings:

   While no significant differences were seen in average urinary albumin concentrations between specimens stored for 2 days at 4 degrees C and those stored for 2 weeks at 4 or -20 degrees C, 2 of 73 specimens showed clear decreases in urinary albumin concentrations after storage at -20 degrees C for 2 weeks. Significant decreases in average urinary albumin concentration were seen in specimens stored at -20 degrees C for 2 months (15.5 mg/L, p<0.03) or 6 months (14.8 mg/L, p<0.005) compared to those stored at 4 degrees C for 2 weeks (17.9 mg/L). The authors state that storage related decreases in urinary albumin concentration were most notable in specimens in which a precipitate had formed during frozen storage (22 specimens after 2 months and 25 specimens after 6 months).

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Urine

   Preservative Types

   • Frozen
   • Other Preservative

   Diagnoses:

   • Diabetes Type 1

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Protein	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Preservation	Type of fixation/preservation	Frozen Refrigeration
   Storage	Storage temperature	4 degrees C -20 degrees C
   Storage	Storage duration	2 d 2 weeks 2 months 6 months

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