Effects of temperature on stability of blood homocysteine in collection tubes containing 3-deazaadenosine.
BACKGROUND
The accuracy of homocysteine (Hcy) results is currently compromised by the requirement to separate the plasma within 1 h of sample collection. We studied the effect of temperature on the stability of plasma Hcy over a 72-h time course in blood collected into evacuated tubes containing either EDTA alone or both EDTA and 3-deazaadenosine (3DA).


METHODS
We recruited 100 volunteers, including both diseased and healthy individuals with a range of baseline plasma Hcy values, from two centers. Blood samples were collected into tubes containing EDTA, and EDTA plus 3DA and stored at ambient temperature (20-25 degrees C) or refrigerated (2-8 degrees C). Aliquots of blood were centrifuged at various times up to 72 h, the plasma was removed, and Hcy was measured by HPLC.


RESULTS
Plasma Hcy measurement covering the sample collection and storage conditions during the whole time course was possible on samples from 59 of those recruited. One-way ANOVA for repeated measures within subjects revealed that only samples that were collected into tubes containing EDTA plus 3DA and stored refrigerated were stable over 72 h (P = 0.2761).


CONCLUSIONS
A combination of 3DA and storage at 2-8 degrees C will allow collection of samples for plasma Hcy measurement outside of the hospital setting and wider population screening.
Hill
Diane M
DM
Research and Development Department, Drew Scientific Ltd., Sowerby Woods Business Park, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 4QR, United Kingdom. dianeh@drew-scientific.com
Johnson
Lisa J
LJ
Burns
Paul J
PJ
Neale
Angela M
AM
Harmening
Denise M
DM
Kenney
Andrew C
AC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014372:Tubercidin
D007202:Indicators and Reagents; C018258:3-deazaadenosine; D006710:Homocysteine; D014372:Tubercidin