Analytes related to erythrocyte metabolism are reliable biomarkers for preanalytical error due to delayed plasma processing in metabolomics studies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Delaying plasma separation after phlebotomy (processing delay) can cause perturbations of numerous small molecule analytes. This poses a major challenge to the clinical application of metabolomics analyses. In this study, we further define the analyte changes that occur during processing delays and generate a model for the post hoc detection of this preanalytical error.

Methods

Using an untargeted metabolomics platform we analyzed EDTA-preserved plasma specimens harvested after processing delays lasting from minutes to days. Identified biomarkers were tested on (i) a test-set of samples exposed to either minimal (n=28) or long delays (n=40) and (ii) samples collected in a clinical setting for metabolomics analysis (n=141).

Results

A total of 149 of 803 plas

SUBMITTER: Jain M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5321821 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature