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Eosinophil cationic protein in sputum is dependent on temperature and time
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
The European Respiratory Journal
|May 22, 1998
Summary
Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels in asthma patient sputum decrease over time and with higher temperatures. Store sputum samples at 4°C for accurate ECP measurements to monitor asthma severity and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a marker for bronchial inflammation in asthma.
- Accurate ECP measurement is crucial for assessing asthma severity and guiding therapy.
- Standardized sputum processing is essential for reliable ECP quantification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of storage time and temperature on ECP concentrations in asthma patient sputum.
- To establish optimal conditions for sputum sample handling to preserve ECP integrity.
Main Methods:
- Induced sputum samples from 12 stable asthma patients were collected.
- Sputum supernatants were stored at 4°C or 25°C for up to 72 hours.
- ECP concentrations were measured using fluoroimmunoassay and compared to baseline.
Main Results:
- ECP levels showed a statistically significant decrease over time (p=0.02) and with increasing temperature (p=0.03).
- Storage at 25°C led to a more pronounced reduction in ECP compared to 4°C, particularly after 24 and 72 hours.
- A time- and temperature-dependent degradation of ECP in sputum was observed.
Conclusions:
- ECP concentration in asthma sputum is susceptible to degradation influenced by time and temperature.
- Refrigeration at 4°C is recommended for sputum samples if immediate processing is not feasible.
- Proper sample handling is vital for accurate ECP-based asthma management.