Collins Stephen A, Patteson Mark W, Connolly David J, Brodbelt Dave C, Torrance Andrew G, Harris Joanne D
Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, 6 Forest Corner Farm, Hangersley, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 3JW, United Kingdom.
J Vet Cardiol. 2010 Apr;12(1):41-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jvc.2010.01.001. Epub 2010 Mar 11.
To determine whether serum N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration in normal dogs, and dogs with heart disease, is affected by freezing, or by sample ageing when stored at room temperature.
ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty six dogs with heart disease and ten normal dogs. Serum NT-proBNP was measured within 60 min of sample collection. Serum was also frozen at -20 degrees C and NT-proBNP measurement was repeated at 1, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after thawing.
Median NT-proBNP increased significantly after freezing (p<0.005) and then progressively decreased at all time points after thawing (p<0.005).
Serum NT-proBNP concentration increases with freezing, and then rapidly decreases over time when stored at room temperature. Concentrations were sufficiently increased after freezing and decreased after 24h at room temperature to affect interpretation. The authors recommend that serum for NT-proBNP assay should be frozen within 1h of sampling and submitted frozen in cold packs.
