Stability of blood analytes after storage in BD SST tubes for 12 mo.

OBJECTIVES

We studied the stability of 33 analytes related to clinical chemistry, bone, and vitamin metabolism, after storage in serum separator tubes (SST).

DESIGN AND METHODS

Blood was collected from 6 subjects using SST tubes. Some serum remained in the tube in contact with the barrier gel and was stored at -80 degrees C for 12 mo.

RESULTS

Clinically significant changes occurred only in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and retinol-binding protein.

CONCLUSIONS

Freezing SST tubes before sample analysis is a viable option for some analytes.