Title:Effect of Pre-analytical Conditions on Prothrombin Time and Partial Activated Thromboplastin Time
VOLUME: 20 ISSUE: 4
Author(s):Moutinho Beatriz, Pinto Beatriz, Cardoso Rita, Alves Helena and Botelho Monica*
Affiliation:ISEP, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politecnico do Porto, Porto, ISEP, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politecnico do Porto, Porto, INSA, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Diseases, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Porto, INSA, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Diseases, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Porto, INSA, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Diseases, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Porto
Keywords:Coagulation, plasma, PT, aPTT, pre-analytical, sample analysis.
Abstract:
Background: Clinical analysis often involves clotting assays. Although the guidelines suggest
the storing and freezing of samples before these assays, there are contradictory results in the literature.
The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of the temperature and the storage of plasma
sample on Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) in clinical samples
for 65 patients without coagulation disorders.
Materials and Methods: After centrifugation, plasma of each patient was tested at arrival as part of
their routine care and separately aliquoted. Three aliquots were stored at room temperature, 4°C and -
20°C for 24h after collection, two aliquots were stored at 4°C and -20°C for 1 week and one aliquot
was stored at -70°C for 1 month.
Results: PT from healthy patients was affected at room temperature for 24h and at 4°C for 1 week. For
aPTT, the results were statistically different for all the conditions after 24h and at 4°C for 1 week.
Conclusion: Results indicate that PT and aPTT can be stored at -70ºC for at least 1 month without any
significant changes in the assay result.
