title: Long- and short-term in vitro D-dimer stability measured with INNOVANCE D-Dimer.
abstract: In vitro D-dimer stability in plasma is widely assumed, but has not yet been documented by systematic studies using samples covering a wide range of D-dimer. We investigated the short- and long-term stability of D-dimer in clinical citrated plasma samples with normal and pathological levels. The short-term stability was analysed by measuring D-dimer fresh, after storage of plasma for 4 hours at room temperature (RT) and after an additional 24 h storage at +2 to +8 degrees C (n=40). Long-term stability samples (n=40) were measured fresh and after storage for 19, 25 and 36 months at < or =-60 degrees C. The effect of repeated freezing was analysed by measuring samples (n=50) fresh and after four consecutive freeze-thaw cycles. D-dimer was measured on the BCS System using the INNOVANCE D-Dimer assay (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbH, Marburg, Germany). D-dimer values at baseline ranged from 0.23-22.2 mg/l FEU. The mean percentage change after storage for 4 hours at RT and additional 24 hours at +2 to +8 degrees C was +3.8% and +2.7%, respectively. The mean percentage change after frozen storage for 19, 25 and 36 months at < or =-60 degrees C was -11.7%, -4.8% and -9.3%, respectively. The small decrease of D-dimer values after frozen storage was not time-dependent. Repeated freezing did not significantly alter D-dimer values (mean change < or =5%). The data demonstrate stability of D-dimer in plasma prior to freezing for up to 4 hours at RT and for up to 24 hours at +2 to +8 degrees C as well as in plasma stored for up to three years at < or =-60 degrees C.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Böhm-Weigert
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wissel
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Muth
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kemkes-Matthes
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Peetz
mesh_terms: D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000592:standards*; D015925:Cryopreservation; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis*; D005615:Freezing; D006801:Humans; D055550:Protein Stability; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; C036309:fibrin fragment D