Effect of temperature and light on the stability of fat-soluble vitamins in whole blood over several days: implications for epidemiological studies.

Author(s): Clark S, Youngman LD, Chukwurah B, Palmer A, Parish S, Peto R, Collins R

Publication: Int J Epidemiol, 2004, Vol. 33, Page 518-25

PubMed ID: 15105406 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 light on the concentrations of fat soluble vitamins in blood. After experimental storage, EDTA-plasma was stored at -80 degrees C until analysis.

   Summary of Findings:

   When blood was stored for up to 7 days prior to separation of plasma, the concentrations of the fat soluble vitamins did not change by more than 11%, regardless of storage temperature or light conditions. When blood was stored in the dark at room temperature, lutein increased during the first 4 days and then decreased, while retinol and alpha and gamma tocopherol levels were higher at all timepoints compared to initial levels. Over the first 4 days of storage in the light at room temperature, beta carotene and lutein increased and retinol stayed the same, but beta carotene, lutein, and retinol were lower at day 7 compared to initial levels. Alpha and gamma tocopherol levels were elevated in all specimens stored at room temperature in the light, and levels peaked at day 4. Gamma tocopherol, alpha and beta carotene and retinol decreased when specimens were stored in the light at 4 degrees C. None of the vitamins were significantly affected by storage in the dark at 4 degrees C. Storage temperature had a significant effect on alpha carotene and alpha and gamma tocopherol levels, while the presence of light during storage had significant effects on alpha carotene, lycopene and cryptoxanthin levels.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Blood
   • Bodily Fluid - Plasma

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Normal

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Small molecule	HPLC

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Storage	Storage temperature	4 degrees C Room temperature
   Storage	Storage duration	0 days 1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 7 days
   Storage	Storage conditions	In the dark In the light
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Centrifugation	Centrifugation delays investigated

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