High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T: a Preanalytical Evaluation.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effects of preanalytical conditions on high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) concentrations. METHODS: Variations of hs-cTnT concentrations were evaluated under the following preanalytical conditions 1) serum vs. lithium-heparin (Li-Hep) plasma, with or without separator gel; 2) centrifugation time (15-minutes vs. 10-minutes) and speed (1467 to 3756 g); 3) stability in Li-Hep plasma at room temperature and +4 degrees C for 4 days and at -80 degrees C for up to 12 months, for three concentrations; 4) four freeze-thaw cycles at -20 degrees C and -80 degrees C, for three concentrations. RESULTS: No significant changes were found regarding the type of blood collection tube, the centrifugation, and storage conditions. Minor decreases were observed after four freeze-thaw cycles at -20 degrees C (< 6.5%) and -80 degrees C (< 3.4%). CONCLUSIONS: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T may be considered as not impacted by usual preanalytical conditions, thus strengthening its reliability in laboratory practice and clinical research.