Abstract:

Laboratory studies related to preanalytical variability are still of great importance all over the world. Separation of serum and plasma from blood cells as soon as possible is very important for the reliability of the results obtained. The most suitable temperatures are 4oC or -20oC if the sample will not be used immediately. In this study we determined changes in the stability of 9 plasma and serum analyses (glucose, potassium, phosphorus, AST, ALT, albumin, triglyceride, total protein, total cholesterol) in plasma and serum after the centrifugation of sample in normal and extended time at room temperature (25-28o C). In addition, we observed the effects of the change in the stability of these analyses on clinical evaluation. In conclusion we found that there were significant cant clinical differences in the stability of glucose, potassium and phosphorus in samples obtained after 24 hours (according to CLIA 88 criteria). Significant cant changes in glucose, potassium and phosphorus were observed in the 6th, 24th and 24th hours respectively. It was found that the stability of these three parameters were very weak. There was a nosignifi cant difference, which can affect the clinical evaluation, in the samples separated immediately for these parameters. This means that the immediate separation of serum or plasma from blood cells is quite important for the reliability of results. We also think that parameters that make difference statistically but do not display clinical difference need more careful handling.

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