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Effect of conditions in obtaining blood samples for ECP testing in children
1Biochemical, Allergy Department, Voll d'Hebron Maternity-Children's University Hospital.
Insights
Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) levels in blood are significantly affected by sample collection conditions. Temperature and anticoagulant choice impact ECP release, necessitating standardized protocols for accurate inflammation assessment.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) is a key mediator released by eosinophils.
- ECP is recognized as a potential biomarker for assessing inflammation severity.
- Current ECP testing methods include RIA and ELISA, but sample collection conditions are known to influence results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific parameters affecting Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) testing during routine blood sample collection.
- To determine how these parameters influence ECP levels in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of blood samples from five children (four with asthma, one with atopic dermatitis) undergoing routine testing.
- Evaluation of ECP levels in samples collected using different anticoagulants (EDTA, heparin) and in serum.
- Assessment of ECP release under varying temperature conditions (0°C vs. 37°C) and during sample coagulation.
Main Results:
- ECP was undetectable in blood samples collected with EDTA tripotassium.
- Higher temperatures (37°C) led to increased ECP release in heparinized plasma and serum samples compared to samples kept at 0°C.
- Significant variability in ECP testing was observed, particularly in samples with higher eosinophil counts, depending on blood collection and processing conditions.
Conclusions:
- Blood sample collection and handling conditions critically influence Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) test results.
- Temperature and anticoagulant choice are significant factors affecting ECP levels.
- A standardized, stricter protocol for blood sample acquisition is essential for reliable ECP measurement and accurate inflammation assessment.
Abstract:
Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) is a basic protein found in eosinophil granules. This cell and its mediators are currently considered to be potential indicators of the severity of inflammation in the organism. ECP concentration can be reliably tested using several RIA or ELISA methods. It is well known that the conditions of sample obtention can affect the ECP values in blood. The aim of this study is to establish which parameters affect ECP testing during regular blood sample collection and how they affect it. Blood samples taken for the routine study of five children attended in our department were analysed: four were asthmatic and one child had atopic dermatitis. In the results we observed that ECP was not detected in the blood samples taken with EDTA tripotassium. In both the plasma samples taken with heparin as well as with serum, more ECP was released at a higher temperature. In the release of ECP obtained by coagulation, samples at 37 degrees showed values of between 4 and 20 higher than those obtained for an hour at 0 degrees. There is a considerable variability in the testing of ECP depending on the blood test extraction conditions, the range is bigger in the samples with eosinophils. These results imply the need to define a stricter protocol for obtaining samples than that suggested at present.