Abstract
Introduction: Sample handling can influence biomarker measurement and introduce variability when combining data from multiple studies or study sites. To inform the development of blood collection protocols within a multisite cohort study, we directly quantified concentrations of 54 biomarkers in blood samples subjected to different handling conditions. Materials and Methods: We obtained serum, lithium heparin plasma, and EDTA plasma from 20 adult volunteers. Tubes of chilled whole blood were either centrifuged and processed within 2 hours of collection (the ‘‘reference standard’’) or were stored with cool packs for 24 or 48 hours; centrifuged before and/or after this delay; or collected in tubes with/without gel separators. We used linear mixed models with random intercepts to estimate geometric mean concentrations and relative percent differences across the conditions. Results: Compared to the reference standard tubes, concentrations of many biomarkers changed after processing delays, but changes were often small. In serum, we observed large differences for B vitamers, glutamic acid (37% and 73% increases with 24- and 48-hour delays, respectively), glycine (12% and 23% increases), serine (16% and 27% increases), and acetoacetate (-19% and -26% decreases). Centrifugation timing and separator tube use did not affect concentrations of most biomarkers. Conclusion: Sample handling should be consistent across samples within an analysis. The length of processing delays should be recorded and accounted for when this is not feasible.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 467-476 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Biopreservation and Biobanking |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 2023 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- B vitamers
- amino acids
- biomarkers
- epidemiologic studies
- specimen handling
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology