Abstract
BackgroundBarricorTM Lithium heparin plasma tubes are new blood tubes that have been introduced to overcome the effects of gel in serum separator tubes (SST) and the shortcomings of standard Lithium heparin plasma. We aimed to evaluate BarricorTM tubes as an alternative to serum separator tubes and compare the stability between the tubes.MethodsForty-four paired samples were collected using both BarricorTM and SST. We compared five analytes at baseline (<6 h) and after every 24 h using the PassingBablok and Bland-Altman plots. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), potassium (K), phosphate (PO4) , lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatinine were analysed in both tubes. We calculated the percentage difference for each analyte between the baseline and time intervals to assess analyte stability. The percentage difference was compared to the desirable specification for bias and reference change value (RCV).ResultsAll analytes were comparable at baseline. Statistical differences (p<0.001) became evident after 24 h. PO4, K, and creatinine had a mean difference that exceeded the desirable specification for bias (-9.59%, - 9.35%, and -4.59%, respectively). Potassium was stable up to 24 h in both tubes. LDH showed better stability in SST (144 h vs 96 h). PO4 concentrations were more stable in both tubes with the SST (96 h vs 72 h). Creatinine and AST had the longest stability in both tubes compared to other analytes (144 h).ConclusionsData demonstrated variability and similarities in analyte concentrations and stability, respectively, in both tubes.
Highlights
Rapid analysis of samples is an essential step necessary to ensure the quality and integrity of laboratory results
Given the lack of sufficient studies, we aimed to evaluate the Becton Driven (BD) BarricorTM tube as an alternative to serum separator tubes
A strong correlation was found between the tubes investigated, and Spearman Rs correlation ranged from 0.730 to 0.984, while potassium showed the least correlation
Summary
Rapid analysis of samples is an essential step necessary to ensure the quality and integrity of laboratory results. It is known that blood cells (red, white, and platelets) undergo lysis during storage, leading to an increased release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), potassium, and phosphate, while metabolically active cells continue to consume glucose [2]. Babic et al [3] demonstrated that the forces exerted on red blood cells caused them to cross the gel barrier post centrifugation, increasing intracellular analytes such as potassium. Separator gel tubes are found to release small gel materials into the serum or plasma. These gel particles have been associated with interference in immunoassays, sample probes, and electrode surfaces [4]
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