Testing protocols: care of biological samples in a rural setting.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate collection, transport, and storage protocols of urine and air allergen samples from infants in a rural setting. Infant urine and aeroallergen samples (n = 21) are collected in the home setting in rural areas where time and distance to the central laboratory is a consideration. Urine samples are analyzed using ELISA tests after being transported using three different techniques: (a) ambient temperature, (b) dry ice, and (c) packaged on dry ice and shipped commercially. Following initial ELISA testing for levels of cytokines, urine samples are frozen at -70 degrees Celsius for 6 months. Samples are then reanalyzed for levels of cytokines. Dust samples are analyzed for levels of aeroallergens, stored at 4 degrees for 6 months, and reanalyzed. The integrity of samples varies by biomarker, shipment temperature, and storage time, creating a high degree of variability in results.
Stepans
Mary Beth Flanders
MB
Wyoming State Board of Nursing, Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA.
Wilhelm
Susan L
SL
Rodehorst
T Kim
TK
Smith
Derek
D
Weinert
Clarann
C
D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009329:Nebraska; D012424:Rural Population; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000592:standards*; D016482:Urinalysis; D014959:Wyoming
D000485:Allergens; D015415:Biomarkers