High stability of markers of cardiovascular risk in blood samples.
Author(s): Giltay EJ, Geleijnse JM, Schouten EG, Katan MB, Kromhout D
Publication: Clin Chem, 2003, Vol. 49, Page 652-5
PubMed ID: 12651820 PubMed Review Paper? No
Purpose of Paper
Conclusion of Paper
Studies
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Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of delayed analysis due to mailing of specimens in plastic envelopes at ambient temperatures on clinical chemistry analytes in serum and plasma. For analysis of cholesterol, triglycerides, CRP, and FAs, EDTA-plasma and serum were collected, but for analysis of glucose, potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride-plasma was used. During the mailings, the mean outside temperature was 5 degrees C.
Summary of Findings:
Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, c-reactive protein (CRP) and fatty acid levels changed in plasma when analysis was delayed by 1 or 2 days due to shipping of specimens at ambient temperatures. The changes in fatty acid levels tended to be larger for lower abundance fatty acids (FAs). The authors report changes similar to those seen in plasma in glucose, lipids and CRP levels in serum when specimens were mailed in serum separator tubes (SST) after centrifugation, but FAs were more stable in plasma than serum. The authors conclude that the changes observed were small enough that specimens were still suitable for epidemiological studies.
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- None (Fresh)
Diagnoses:
- Not specified
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Carbohydrate Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Lipid Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Steroid Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Protein Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Biospecimen Aliquots and Components Blood and blood products Plasma
Serum
Storage Specimen transport duration/condition 1 day
2 days
Storage Between site transportation method Mailed
Not transported