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The stability of free‐β human chorionic gonadotrophin and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A in first trimester dried blood spots
Author(s) -
Cowans Nicholas J.,
Stamatopoulou Anastasia,
Liitti Paivi,
Suonpaa Mikko,
Spencer Kevin
Publication year - 2011
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.2709
Subject(s) - first trimester , pregnancy , second trimester , medicine , pregnancy associated plasma protein a , andrology , dried blood , dried blood spot , chemistry , endocrinology , fetus , chromatography , biology , genetics
Objectives To determine the stability of first trimester free‐β human chorionic gonadotrophin (free‐β hCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) in dried blood spots (DBSs) under typical storage conditions. Methods First trimester maternal blood was spotted onto filter paper and left to dry. DBSs were analysed for PAPP‐A and free‐β hCG using an AutoDELFIA dual assay at t = 0. Cards were stored at one of − 20 °C, refrigerator temperature, room temperature or 30 °C and reanalysed at set future time points. Results Free‐β hCG was stable (<10% change in concentration) under all temperatures tested for at least 35 days. PAPP‐A was stable at − 20 °C and refrigerator temperature for at least 35 days. However, PAPP‐A levels decreased by 10% at 4.1 days at room temperature and at 3.9 days at 30 °C. Longer‐term storage at − 20 °C and refrigerator temperature showed that both PAPP‐A and free‐β hCG levels were significantly decreased by 107 and 244 days. Conclusions Free‐β hCG stability is greatly improved in DBS compared to serum storage; however PAPP‐A stability is decreased in the DBS medium. Despite this DBS, screening may not necessitate such strict storage and transportation rules compared to serum screening programmes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.