Urine and fecal sample collection on filter paper for ovarian hormone evaluations

A practical method for collecting, storing, and transporting liquid biological samples in a dry state for subsequent hormone metabolite analyses is presented. This method employs the use of ordinary filter paper strips that imbibe liquid samples. Samples taken up by the filter paper were allowed to dry and were retained at ambient conditions in capped vials for up to 5 years prior to analysis. Examples presented in the present report include urine samples from human and nonhuman primates as well as solubilized fecal samples from nonhuman primates. Hormone metabolite analysis of the paper-stored samples provided data that were comparable to the results obtained from analyses of the original liquid samples. One year of storage had no effect on hormone concentration. Five years of storage resulted in concentrations that were quantitatively less but qualitatively similar to the concentrations obtained by direct analysis of the initial samples. These data demonstrate the versatility and reliability of paper as a matrix for biological samples that may provide a more convenient approach for collecting and transporting samples collected in the field. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.