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PAPP‐A and free ß‐hCG stability in first trimester serum using PerkinElmer AutoDELFIA ® and DELFIA ® Xpress systems
Author(s) -
Cowans Nicholas J.,
Stamatopoulou Anastasia,
Hellström Johanna,
Mäkelä MinnaMaarit,
Spencer Kevin
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
prenatal diagnosis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.956
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1097-0223
pISSN - 0197-3851
DOI - 10.1002/pd.2423
Subject(s) - analyte , chemistry , whole blood , chromatography , andrology , medicine
Abstract Background In this study we aim to investigate the stability of free‐β‐hCG and PAPP‐A over time in serum and whole blood in typical routine temperatures. Methods Serum pools were stored under the following temperatures: 30°C, room temperature, refrigerator temperature and −20°C, for up to 240 days. Stability of the markers in whole blood was examined in a shorter study and compared to serum. Samples were analysed using the AutoDELFIA ® and DELFIA ® Xpress analysers. Results On the AutoDELFIA ® , considering a 10% change acceptable, PAPP‐A levels are stable in serum for 142 days at refrigerator temperature, 37 days at room temperature and 20 days at 30°C. Free‐β hCG is stable in serum for 94 days at refrigerator temperature, 3 days at room temperature and 12 h at 30°C. There was no significant change with either analyte after −20°C storage for up to 240 days or after six repeated freeze–thaw cycles. In whole blood, free‐β hCG levels increased more rapidly compared to serum, especially at 30°C. Conclusion Normal handling of samples is only likely to minimally effect the risk assessment of chromosomal anomalies. However, careful attention should be paid to minimise the increase of free‐β hCG levels in samples shipped as whole blood. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.