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Published on: November 30, 2015
Testing protocols: care of biological samples in a rural setting
Mary Beth Flanders Stepans1, Susan L Wilhelm, T Kim Rodehorst
1Wyoming State Board of Nursing, Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA.
Insights
Sample integrity for infant urine and allergen studies varied based on collection, transport, and storage methods. Optimal protocols are crucial for reliable biomarker and aeroallergen analysis in rural research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Research
- Biomarker Analysis
Background:
- Infant health studies in rural settings face logistical challenges for sample collection.
- Timely and proper transport of biological and environmental samples is critical for accurate analysis.
- Existing protocols may not adequately preserve the integrity of urine and aeroallergen samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of different collection, transport, and storage protocols for infant urine and aeroallergen samples.
- To determine the impact of various transport conditions (ambient, dry ice, commercial shipping) on sample integrity.
- To assess the stability of biomarkers and aeroallergens after prolonged storage.
Main Methods:
- Urine and dust samples were collected from infants (n=21) in a rural home setting.
- Urine samples underwent three transport methods: ambient, dry ice, and commercial shipping with dry ice.
- Samples were analyzed using ELISA for cytokines and aeroallergens, with reanalysis after 6 months of storage (-70°C for urine, 4°C for dust).
Main Results:
- Sample integrity varied significantly based on the biomarker, transport temperature, and storage duration.
- Different transport and storage methods yielded considerable variability in cytokine and aeroallergen levels.
- No single protocol ensured consistent sample integrity across all measured analytes.
Conclusions:
- Current collection, transport, and storage protocols demonstrate limitations in maintaining sample integrity for infant biomonitoring in rural settings.
- Variability in results highlights the need for optimized and validated methods for collecting and preserving biological and environmental samples.
- Further research is required to establish robust protocols for reliable data acquisition in pediatric environmental health studies.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate collection, transport, and storage protocols of urine and air allergen samples from infants in a rural setting. Infant urine and aeroallergen samples (n = 21) are collected in the home setting in rural areas where time and distance to the central laboratory is a consideration. Urine samples are analyzed using ELISA tests after being transported using three different techniques: (a) ambient temperature, (b) dry ice, and (c) packaged on dry ice and shipped commercially. Following initial ELISA testing for levels of cytokines, urine samples are frozen at -70 degrees Celsius for 6 months. Samples are then reanalyzed for levels of cytokines. Dust samples are analyzed for levels of aeroallergens, stored at 4 degrees for 6 months, and reanalyzed. The integrity of samples varies by biomarker, shipment temperature, and storage time, creating a high degree of variability in results.
