Abstract

Gohel Pruthvi D.*, Parmar Dhaval V., Modi Nikunj M. and Makwana Naresh R.

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective: In the clinical laboratories, stability of serum analytes is most common problem during sample storage. Samples are usually stored either at 4– 8°C in a refrigerator for short durations or in a deep freezer at ?20°C for longer periods. So, the temperature at which the samples are stored constitutes an important pre-analytical variable that may affect analysis results in the clinical biochemistry laboratory setting. The objective of the present research is to determine the stability of serum in different storage conditions. Materials and Methods: A total of fifty healthy volunteers were studied. Serum samples were separated in aliquots with a lid. 8 aliquots of serum were stored at 40C and -200C. Therefore, 8 aliquots per patient were stored for 1, 7, 15, and 30 days. Urea, Creatinine, Total Protein, Albumin, Triglyceride, Sodium, Potassium, Chlorine, and total, Direct, and Indirect Bilirubin were measured by using ongoing methods performed in the clinical biochemistry laboratory. Results: We evidenced the instability of Creatinine, Total Protein, Albumin, Sodium, Potassium, Chlorine, and Total, Direct, and Indirect Bilirubin at both the temperature (40C and -200C). However, potential clinical impact significance was observed only for urea at T7 stored at -200C. Conclusions: Our results showed that Samples should analyze in the laboratory within preferably 24 h of collection to ensure valid results. In addition, the turn-around time from sample drawing to reporting the analytical result would be shortened.