What is the best way to prepare plasma or serum samples for amino acid analysis?
Blood plasma, the liquid component of blood, in which the blood cells are suspended, makes up about 60% of total blood volume. It is composed of mostly water (90% by volume), and contains dissolved proteins, glucose, clotting factors, mineral ions, hormones and carbon dioxide. Plasma is obtained when anti-coagulated blood is being centrifuged. Plasma is the supernatant fluid. Usually, the blood is thoroughly mixed with an appropriate amount of anticoagulant like heparin, oxalate or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to avoid clotting.
Blood serum, on the other hand, is blood plasma minus fibrinogen or other clotting factors. Serum is clearer than plasma because of the lower protein content. Serum is the preferred specimen in clinical testing since the interference that may be caused by the presence of an anticoagulant, is eliminated. Serum samples need to be processed as soon as possible. If storage is necessary prior to processing the blood should be stored at room temperature, shielded from light, and on a slow rocking device. DO NOT refrigerate the cells. Often vacutainer tubes are used for human blood samples.
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10/23/2013