Dear all
We are wondering whether to reject trace element samples from GPs and
outpatients which have not been collected into trace element tubes
(vacutainers here). When looking up Assayfinder there seems to be quite a
large diversity of opinion about what sample is suitable. For example, some
labs only accept trace element containers for Zn while others are more
laissez faire. Some would reject SST tubes for Cu, while others not. Most
seem to accept anything for Se.
On speaking to the head Becton Dickinson chemist in the US, she tells me
they only rigourously test trace element vacutainers for contamination (as
well as acid washing, etc) and make no claims for any other container.
Indeed, she thought it quite possible that contamination varied from batch
to batch in any of their other containers. Since they do not test them they
have no idea whether contamination would be clinically relevant.
My question is, what evidence have other trace element labs used in basing
their sample container requirements? Do we need to reject samples collected
into other containers or are we being needlessly strict to even consider
rejecting them?
Eric
Dr. Eric S. Kilpatrick
Consultant in Chemical Pathology
Department of Clinical Biochemistry
Hull Royal Infirmary
Anlaby Road
Hull HU3 2JZ
Tel 01482-607708
Fax 01482-607752
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