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Pre-analytical variables influence zinc measurement in blood samples
David W Killilea1, Kathleen Schultz1
1Office of Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America.
Plos One
|September 15, 2023
Summary
Pre-analytical variables significantly impact blood zinc measurements. Standardizing blood draw site, sample matrix, tube type, processing time, and temperature is crucial for accurate zinc status assessment.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Public Health
- Trace Element Analysis
Background:
- Zinc deficiency is a global public health issue.
- Accurate zinc status assessment relies on measuring circulating zinc levels.
- Current sampling procedures lack standardization, leading to analytical discrepancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of key pre-analytical variables on blood zinc measurements.
- To identify specific factors influencing zinc content in blood samples.
- To inform the development of standardized protocols for zinc status assessment.
Main Methods:
- Controlled study of 60 healthy adults with sequential capillary and venous blood draws.
- Analysis of five pre-analytical variables: draw site, sample matrix, tube manufacturer, processing time, and holding temperature.
- Zinc content measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.
Main Results:
- Capillary blood samples showed higher zinc content (8%) than venous samples.
- Serum samples had higher zinc levels (5%) compared to plasma.
- Differences observed in zinc content based on blood collection tube manufacturer and processing time (5-12%).
- Elevated zinc levels noted in samples processed after 4-24 hours and held at 20°C or 37°C.
Conclusions:
- Pre-analytical variables significantly affect blood zinc measurement results.
- Draw site, sample matrix, tube type, processing time, and temperature influence zinc quantification.
- Minimizing pre-analytical variability is essential for accurate zinc status assessment and establishing best practice guidelines.
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