A Stabilizing Agent, PCA/DTPA, Improves Plasma Storage Life for the Chromsystems Vitamin C Assay up to Six Months
10.3343/alm.2021.41.4.414
- Author:
Jake TB COLLIE
1
;
Elizabeth P HUDSON
;
Adam M DEANE
;
Rinaldo BELLOMO
;
Ronda F GREAVES
Author Information
1. School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Publication Type:Brief Communication
- From:Annals of Laboratory Medicine
2021;41(4):414-418
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The commonly used Chromsystems vitamin C (ascorbate) assay (Munich, Germany) has a sample storage life of five days at –20°C. Stabilizing agents have been successfully used to increase longevity; however, their suitability with this commercial assay is unclear. We investigated the compatibility of a stabilizing agent, perchloric acid/diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (PCA/DTPA), with the Chromsystems assay. Plasma was stored at –80°C, with or without PCA/DTPA. Storage up to six months was assessed through baseline and repeat analyses, stability was assessed by comparing paired non-stabilized and PCA/ DTPA-stabilized plasma, and performance was assessed using allowable performance specifications of an external quality assurance program. Ascorbate concentration was significantly lower in non-stabilized plasma than in paired PCA/DTPA-stabilized plasma, with a proportional difference of 11% (P = 0.01). All storage analysis results were within the allowable performance specifications. Storage at –80°C prevented plasma ascorbate oxidation; however, substantial oxidation occurred during sample processing. In conclusion, PCA/DTPA significantly reduces ascorbate oxidation, and PCA/DTPA-stabilized ascorbate plasma is compatible with the Chromsystems assay and stable for up to six months, when stored at –80°C.
