Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Dried Blood Spot Collection of Health Biomarkers to Maximize Participation in Population Studies
Published on: January 28, 2014
Biological variability of blood omega-3 biomarkers
William S Harris1, Rachael M Thomas
1Cardiovascular Health Research Center, Sanford Research/USD and Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA. harrisw@sanfordhealth.org
Objectives:
We conducted a pilot study to estimate the biological variability and effects of a prior meal on the omega-3 fatty acid (FA) content of 3 blood FA pools.
Design And Methods:
We measured FA levels in red blood cells (RBCs), plasma and plasma phospholipids (PL) obtained from 20 healthy volunteers tested weekly over 6 weeks.
Results:
The within-subject coefficients of variation were 4.1%+/-1.9%, 15.9%+/-6.4%, and 14.5%+/-8.4%, respectively (RBC vs. others, p<0.001). RBC omega-3 FA content had the lowest biological variability and was not altered in the fed state.
Conclusions:
From the perspective of variability and of the sample types tested, RBCs may be the preferred sample type for assessing omega-3 FA status.
Related Concept Videos
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Variability: Analysis
The range is a simple measure of variability, indicating the difference between the highest and...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
