Effects of prolonged ambient storage of sodium fluoride/heparin specimens on plasma homocysteine.

Author(s): Scheidhauer R, Guessregen B, Hohl A, Arndt T

Publication: Clin Chem, 2005, Vol. 51, Page 1564-5

PubMed ID: 16040865 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to compare homocysteine levels in blood collected in tubes with the anticoagulant NaF/heparin and stored for up to 48 h at room temperature prior to centrifugation with specimens collected in tubes containing EDTA and centrifuged after 15 minutes.

   Summary of Findings:

   Specimens collected in tubes containing EDTA and centrifuged within 15 minutes and specimens collected in tubes with NaF/heparin and stored for 24-144 h prior to centrifugation had equivalent levels of homocysteine. Specimens collected in NaF/heparin tubes and centrifuged within 15 minutes had significantly lower levels of homocysteine than EDTA specimens centrifuged within 15 minutes. This was presumably due to plasma dilution from erythrocyte water loss caused by the NaF, which was no longer an issue at the 24-hour time point. In conclusion, the use of NaF/heparin allows for storage of blood for up to 144 h at room temperature prior to centrifugation without altered homocysteine levels.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Blood
   • Bodily Fluid - Plasma

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Normal

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Small molecule	LC-MS or LC-MS/MS

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Anticoagulant	EDTA Sodium fluoride/heparin
   Storage	Time at room temperature	15 min 24 h 48 h 144 h
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Centrifugation	Centrifugation delays investigated

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