Comparison of serum and heparinized plasma samples for measurement of chemistry analytes.

Author(s): Miles RR, Roberts RF, Putnam AR, Roberts WL

Publication: Clin Chem, 2004, Vol. 50, Page 1704-6

PubMed ID: 15331516 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 analyzing serum versus heparinized plasma on the measurements of 45 clinical chemistry analytes. For a subset of analytes, the results from two different analyzers were also compared. For all twenty volunteers, serum tubes were filled prior to lithium-heparin tubes after a single venipuncture. Serum and plasma were stored at -70 degrees C for up to 8 months prior to analysis.

   Summary of Findings:

   Heparinized plasma had significantly lower levels of bile acids (-67%) and potassium (-6.0%) and higher levels of aldolase (+39%), ACE (+22%), and lactate dehydrogenase (+21%) than serum when measured on the Roche analyzer. Potassium and lactate dehydrogenase levels showed similar differences to those observed with the Roche analyzer between heparinized plasma and serum when measured by the Vitros 950 analyzer. However, the Vitros 950 analyzer also measured 20% higher bilirubin levels in plasma than serum. Importantly, the manufacturers of each analyzer state that both heparinized plasma and serum are acceptable for these assays where significant differences were found.

   Biospecimens

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

   Preservative Types

   • Frozen

   Diagnoses:

   • Normal

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Protein	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Electrolyte/Metal	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Small molecule	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Steroid	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Carbohydrate	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Lipoprotein	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Lipid	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Glycoprotein	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Specific	Technology platform	Roche Modular P analyzer Vitros 950 analyzer
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Blood and blood products	Plasma Serum
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Aliquot sequential collection	1st collection 2nd collection

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