The effect of blood sample type and storage time on the assay of neuron-specific enolase

Objective: To investigate the effects of blood sample type and storage time on the assay of neuron-specific enolase( NSE) at room temperature. Methods: Blood samples of 30 healthy people were stored in tube containing gel / coagulant and heparin, respectively. The NSE levels of all samples were determined within 1 hour,the NSE levels of all samples were determined again when they were placed for 2 hours,3 hours and 4 hours at room temperature( 25. 0 0. 5) ℃. Results: Compared with the results of sample storing in gel / coagulant within 1 hour,the differences of NSE levels at different storage time had no statistical significance( P 0. 05), the differences of sample storing in heparin had statistical significance( P 0. 01). The NSE level of sample storing in heparin was significantly higher than that in sample storing in gel / coagulant for 1 hour to 4 hours( P 0. 01). Conclusions: The results of blood sample storing in gel / coagulant for 4 h were good and reliable,which can provide the scientific basis in detecting,re-checking and analysing sample.