Stability of total plasma homocysteine in perinatology.
BACKGROUND
Typical assay methods for total homocysteine in human plasma involve EDTA-containing whole blood. Unfortunately, rapid increases of the plasma homocysteine concentrations due to cellular export are observed when the EDTA-containing samples are not stored on ice and processed shortly after collection. This is a cumbersome procedure in perinatal settings, whereby delivery usually takes place at unpredictable times.


METHODS
The stability of homocysteine was assessed from six placental and neonatal blood samples collected in citrate buffer. Samples were stored at 4 degrees C and tested at regular intervals for the first 24 h.


RESULTS
There was no statistical difference in homocysteine concentrations as observed over the study storage period (mean coefficient of variation [CV] 4.9%).


CONCLUSIONS
Citrated samples can be left in a refrigerator for at least 24 h with no effect on the plasma homocysteine concentrations.
Théorêt
Yves
Y
Département de Pharmacologie, Université de Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Rivard
Georges-Etienne
GE
Infante-Rivard
Claire
C
Yotov
Wagner V
WV
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000494:pharmacology; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012034:Refrigeration; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006710:Homocysteine; D019343:Citric Acid