Beta-2 transferrin is detectable for 14 days whether refrigerated or stored at room temperature

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2018

Publication Title

Int Forum Allergy Rhinol

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The effect of time and temperature on beta-2 transferrin stability in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is not well established. After collecting nasal CSF for testing, beta-2 transferrin has been found to be stable and detectable for 1 week, whether being refrigerated or stored at room temperature. The purpose of this study was to determine if beta-2 transferrin remained detectable longer than 1 week and whether refrigeration improved its detectability.

METHODS: In patients undergoing therapeutic CSF diversion, 2-mL CSF samples were collected from 18 patients. The samples were divided and stored either at room temperature, or at 4°C, and tested for beta-2 transferrin at 7 and 14 days. CSF was collected from external ventricular drains (EVDs) (n = 15), lumbar drains (n = 2), and subdural drains (n = 1).

RESULTS: Of the 18 CSF samples originally testing positive for beta-2 transferrin, none turned negative at 7 or 14 days, in both the refrigerated and room temperature groups (95% confidence interval [CI], 0% to 18.5%).

CONCLUSION: Beta-2 transferrin remained detectable for 14 days in all CSF samples, regardless of being stored at 4°C or room temperature.

Medical Subject Headings

Adult; Aged; Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea; Drainage; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Specimen Handling; Temperature; Time Factors; Transferrin

PubMed ID

29722921

Volume

8

Issue

9

First Page

1052

Last Page

1055

Share

COinS