Measurement of glial fibrillary acidic protein in blood: an analytical method.
BACKGROUND
In the present study, a new assay for the measurement of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in human blood is described. The aim of the study was to present the characteristics of a new GFAP assay for blood analysis.


METHODS
The method, a newly developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), was validated using blood samples from healthy blood donors and from patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).


RESULTS
22 out of 72 healthy blood donors had a detectable GFAP level. The reference values (percentiles) are as follows: P50=0.15 microg/l and P95=0.49 microg/l; range 0.15-0.76 microg/l.


CONCLUSIONS
GFAP in blood might be a promising new marker for astrocyte involvement after acute brain damage.
van Geel
Wieneke J A
WJ
Laboratory of Pediatrics and Neurology, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, Reinier Postlaan 4, 6525 GC Nijmegen, The Netherlands. w.vangeel@cukz.umcn.nl
de Reus
Herman P M
HP
Nijzing
Henk
H
Verbeek
Marcel M
MM
Vos
Pieter E
PE
Lamers
Karel J B
KJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D002138:Calibration; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods*; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D015415:Biomarkers; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein