Use of red vacutainer for collection of CSF causes falsely high estimation of proteins by pyrogallol red method.
Author(s): Amle DB, Koner BC
Publication: Clin Chim Acta, 2015, Vol. 444, Page 62-5
PubMed ID: 25668232 PubMed Review Paper? No
Purpose of Paper
The purpose of this paper was to determine if the use of red Vacutainer tubes introduces bias when measuring protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Conclusion of Paper
Protein levels were significantly higher in specimens transferred to red Vacutainer tubes than in specimens that remained in the original collection tube. Importantly, the effect was systematic and occurred at all concentrations and in CSF both from neonates (<1 month) and older patients (>1 month).
Studies
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Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of red Vacutainer tubes introduces bias when measuring protein in CSF from neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients. CSF from fifty patients was collected into plastic tubes and then 1 mL was aliquoted into a 4 mL red vacutainer tube. Protein concentrations were then determined by the pyrogallol red method.
Summary of Findings:
Specimens that were transferred into red Vacutainer tubes prior to analysis had significantly higher protein levels than specimens that remained in the original plastic collection tubes (p<0.0001). Importantly, the effect was systematic and occurred at all concentrations and in CSF from both neonates (<1 month) and older patients (>1 month).
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- None (Fresh)
Diagnoses:
- Not specified
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Protein Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Preaquisition Patient age <1 month
>1 month
Storage Type of storage container Plastic tube
Red Vacutainer