Field-study screening of blood folate concentrations: specimen stability and finger-stick sampling

We describe optimized procedures for field studies of blood folate concentrations by using finger-stick blood sampling and include relevant studies on blood folate stability. We introduce whole-blood folate adjustment using sample hemoglobin (folate/hemoglobin, nmol/g) as a novel and practical tool...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of clinical nutrition 1997-12, Vol.66 (6), p.1398-1405
Main Authors: O’Broin, SD, Kelleher, BP, Davoren, A, Gunter, EW
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Blood
Blood Specimen Collection - methods
Female
Fingers
Folic Acid - blood
Hematology
Humans
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Male
Medical sciences
Nutrition
Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques
Regression Analysis
Studies
Vitamin B
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Summary:We describe optimized procedures for field studies of blood folate concentrations by using finger-stick blood sampling and include relevant studies on blood folate stability. We introduce whole-blood folate adjustment using sample hemoglobin (folate/hemoglobin, nmol/g) as a novel and practical tool yielding accurate and precise results when blood volume or dilution is unknown. Red cell folate concentrations (nmol/L) of 11,887 Americans correlated well with hemoglobin-corrected whole-blood folate concentrations (r2 = 0.993; red cell folate = 0.347 x hemoglobin folate + 1 nmol/L), which supports the approach of using the mean cell hemoglobin concentration (g/L) to interconvert red cell and hemoglobin folate data. Folate concentrations in capillary (finger stick) and venous blood samples from 28 normal donors were similar (P > 0.87), correlating closely (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). Whole-blood samples (collected into K2-EDTA-containing evacuated tubes) in field studies are best stored intact at 4 degrees C until they can be processed and frozen (-20 degrees C). Specific knowledge of blood folate stability is essential in planning and designing field studies.
ISSN:0002-9165
1938-3207
DOI:10.1093/ajcn/66.6.1398