Sample evaporation from pierceable cups: still an important source of analytical error

Sofie Schouwers; Eric Cuypers; Sabine Vervaet; Wim Uyttenbroeck; Hugo Neels

doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2010.09.004

Sample evaporation from pierceable cups: still an important source of analytical error

Clin Biochem. 2010 Dec;43(18):1464-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2010.09.004. Epub 2010 Sep 17.

Authors

Sofie Schouwers¹, Eric Cuypers, Sabine Vervaet, Wim Uyttenbroeck, Hugo Neels

Affiliation

¹ Laboratory for Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology, ZNA Stuivenberg, Antwerp, Belgium.

PMID: 20850427
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2010.09.004

Abstract

Background: We illustrate the impact of sample evaporation on analytical results in laboratory practice and highlight preventive measures.

Methods: Plasma (n=10) was analysed for glucose, Na(+), HCO(3)(-) and calcium on six different sample configurations at 5 time points within 2h.

Results: With time glucose, Na(+) and calcium values increased and HCO(3)(-) values decreased in a clinically significant way.

Conclusions: Analytical error due to evaporation may be significant, but can be reduced with optimal sample handling. A pierceable cover does not prevent loss of HCO(3)(-).

Publication types

Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

Blood Chemical Analysis / standards*
Blood Glucose / analysis
Blood Specimen Collection / instrumentation*
Blood Specimen Collection / methods*
Calcium / blood
Carbonates / blood
Humans
Sodium / blood
Time Factors

Substances

Blood Glucose
Carbonates
Sodium
Calcium