title: Testing protocols: care of biological samples in a rural setting.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Wyoming State Board of Nursing, Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA.
authors.forename: Mary Beth Flanders
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Stepans
authors.forename: Susan L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Wilhelm
authors.forename: T Kim
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Rodehorst
authors.forename: Derek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Clarann
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Weinert
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D015415:Biomarkers