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Tear Samples for Protein Extraction: Comparative Analysis of Schirmer's Test Strip and Microcapillary Tube Methods
May Ling Tham1, Aidalina Mahmud2, Maha Abdullah3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, MYS.
Cureus
|January 23, 2024
Summary
Schirmer's test strips, without anesthesia, provide a superior, non-invasive method for collecting tear samples, yielding higher protein quantities than microcapillary tubes. This optimized tear sampling technique is convenient and reliable for ophthalmology clinics.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Tear sampling offers a non-invasive method for biological sample collection in ophthalmology.
- Various tear sampling techniques are under consideration for clinical use.
- This study evaluates Schirmer's test strips and microcapillary tubes for tear collection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability and satisfaction of Schirmer's test strips versus microcapillary tubes for tear sampling.
- To determine the optimal conditions for tear protein extraction using Schirmer's strips.
- To compare the quantity and quality of proteins obtained from both methods.
Main Methods:
- Tear samples were collected from healthy volunteers using Schirmer's strips (with/without anesthesia) and microcapillary tubes.
- Total tear protein concentrations were analyzed using spectrophotometry and bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay.
- Protein profiles were analyzed via SDS-PAGE; optimal wetting length and buffer solutions were compared.
Main Results:
- Schirmer's strips (20 mm wetting length, no anesthesia, PBS buffer) yielded significantly higher protein quantities (220.20 ± 67.43 µg) compared to microcapillary tubes (p=0.004).
- Microcapillary tubes were harder to standardize and use, causing more participant insecurity.
- Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) eluted higher protein concentrations than ammonium bicarbonate; anesthesia did not significantly impact results.
Conclusions:
- Optimized Schirmer's strip method yields good quality and quantity of tear proteins.
- Schirmer's test strips without local anesthesia offer a standard, convenient, and non-invasive tear collection method.
- This technique is suitable for routine use in ophthalmology settings.
