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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Fast and Specific Assessment of the Halogenating Peroxidase Activity in Leukocyte-enriched Blood Samples
Published on: July 28, 2016
Effect of collection tube type and preanalytical handling on myeloperoxidase concentrations
Jessie Shih1, Saul A Datwyler, Stephen C Hsu
1Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, IL 60064, USA. Jessie.Shih@abbott.com
Background:
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) has shown potential as a marker for cardiovascular disease. Limited studies have been published with a variety of sample types, resulting in a wide range of MPO values. Little is known or understood about the impact of collection tube type and preanalytical handling of specimens for MPO determination.
Method:
MPO concentration was determined by use of the ARCHITECT(R) MPO research use assay, which is currently under development. Samples were collected into multiple anticoagulant collection tubes from donors and patients presenting to the emergency department with symptoms of acute coronary syndromes. Whole blood was stored on ice or at room temperature for predetermined time periods. We also evaluated serum and plasma after centrifugation followed by storage at room temperature, 2-8 degrees C, and below -10 degrees C.
Results:
Baseline sample concentrations were dependent on collection tube type as well as handling conditions. MPO concentrations were consistently higher in samples collected in serum and heparin plasma tubes than in samples in EDTA or citrate tubes. Spike recovery was acceptable in all sera and plasma tested, indicating that the increased MPO concentrations were not due directly to an anticoagulant interference.
Conclusions:
The collection tube type and preanalytical handling are critical for accurate and consistent MPO measurement. The preferred anticoagulant and tubes are the EDTA or EDTA plasma preparation tube. MPO concentrations in samples collected in these tubes are stable before centrifugation as whole blood as well as plasma after processing.
Insights
Collection tube type and preanalytical handling significantly impact myeloperoxidase (MPO) measurements. EDTA or EDTA plasma tubes are recommended for accurate and consistent MPO determination in cardiovascular disease diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a potential biomarker for cardiovascular disease.
- Current studies on MPO exhibit wide value ranges due to varied sample types and limited preanalytical data.
- The influence of collection tube type and specimen handling on MPO levels remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different collection tube types on MPO concentration.
- To evaluate the effect of preanalytical handling and storage conditions on MPO stability.
- To establish optimal preanalytical conditions for reliable MPO measurement.
Main Methods:
- Myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentration was measured using the ARCHITECT(R) MPO research assay.
- Samples were collected in various anticoagulant tubes from patients with acute coronary syndromes.
- Whole blood and processed plasma/serum were subjected to different storage temperatures and time points.
Main Results:
- MPO concentrations varied significantly based on collection tube type and handling.
- Samples from serum and heparin plasma tubes showed higher MPO levels compared to EDTA or citrate tubes.
- Acceptable spike recovery across tested samples indicated that observed MPO increases were not due to anticoagulant interference.
Conclusions:
- Collection tube selection and preanalytical handling are crucial for accurate MPO quantification.
- EDTA or EDTA plasma preparation tubes are the preferred choice for MPO analysis.
- MPO levels are stable in whole blood collected in EDTA tubes and in plasma derived from them, both before and after processing.
