title: Effect of sample storage temperature and buffer formulation on faecal immunochemical test haemoglobin measurements.
abstract: Objectives Faecal immunochemical test accuracy may be adversely affected when samples are exposed to high temperatures. This study evaluated the effect of two sample collection buffer formulations (OC-Sensor, Eiken) and storage temperatures on faecal haemoglobin readings. Methods Faecal immunochemical test samples returned in a screening programme and with ≥10 µg Hb/g faeces in either the original or new formulation haemoglobin stabilizing buffer were stored in the freezer, refrigerator, or at room temperature (22℃-24℃), and reanalysed after 1-14 days. Samples in the new buffer were also reanalysed after storage at 35℃ and 50℃. Results were expressed as percentage of the initial concentration, and the number of days that levels were maintained to at least 80% was calculated. Results Haemoglobin concentrations were maintained above 80% of their initial concentration with both freezer and refrigerator storage, regardless of buffer formulation or storage duration. Stability at room temperature was significantly better in the new buffer, with haemoglobin remaining above 80% for 20 days compared with six days in the original buffer. Storage at 35℃ or 50℃ in the new buffer maintained haemoglobin above 80% for eight and two days, respectively. Conclusion The new formulation buffer has enhanced haemoglobin stabilizing properties when samples are exposed to temperatures greater than 22℃.
authors.affiliation: 1 Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.|2 Bowel Health Service, Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Erin L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Symonds
authors.affiliation: 1 Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.|2 Bowel Health Service, Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Stephen R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.affiliation: 1 Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.|2 Bowel Health Service, Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Dawn
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bastin
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Robert Jl
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Fraser
authors.affiliation: 1 Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Graeme P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000379:methods; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D009780:Occult Blood; D011309:Preservation, Biological / Q000379:methods; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
keywords: Occult blood; colorectal cancer screening; faecal immunochemical test; haemoglobin stability; temperature