The Effect of different storage temperatures on complement protein (C3 and C4) levels: A single-centre study

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Clinical Chemistry
• Laboratory Medicine

Background:

• Serum complement proteins C3 and C4 are crucial biomarkers in immunological assays.
• Maintaining sample integrity during storage and transportation is vital for accurate diagnostic results.
• Temperature fluctuations can affect the stability of temperature-sensitive analytes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effect of 2-8°C and -40°C storage on serum complement protein C3 and C4 levels.
• To determine the optimal storage temperature for preserving sample integrity of these complement proteins.

Main Methods:

• A comparative laboratory study involving 50 serum samples.
• Samples were aliquoted and stored at either 2-8°C or -40°C.
• Complement proteins C3 and C4 were measured using turbidimetry.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in C3 and C4 levels between 2-8°C and -40°C storage.
• High agreement (Kappa 0.90 for C3, 1.0 for C4) between storage conditions.
• Coefficient of variation within 8% for 92-94% of samples at both temperatures.

Conclusions:

• Serum complement proteins C3 and C4 are stable at both 2-8°C and -40°C.
• Both storage temperatures are suitable for preserving sample integrity for these analytes.
• Findings support flexibility in sample storage and transportation protocols.