Connolly D.J., Hezzell M.J., Fuentes V.L., et al.
J Vet Cardiol, 2011. 13(1): p.13-9.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the addition of a protease inhibitor (PI) to feline plasma improves the temporal stability of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four EDTA blood samples were collected from 42 cats with cardiac disease or hyperthyroidism. Samples were separated within 15 min of collection and the plasma stored at -80 degrees C. Samples were thawed and each separated into 2 aliquots, one of which was mixed with PI. Each was subdivided into 5 aliquots, which remained at room temperature (RT) for zero, 24, 48, 96 or 120 h before being returned to storage at -80 degrees C. NT-proBNP was measured using a commercially-available ELISA. RESULTS: There was no difference in NT-proBNP measurements between plain and PI samples at time zero (P = 0.836) or 24 h (P = 0.293). At subsequent time-points NT-proBNP was higher in the PI than the plain samples (P < 0.05). An overall effect of time at RT was detected for plain (P < 0.001) and PI samples (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of PI to feline plasma significantly reduces, but does not eliminate, degradation of NT-proBNP at RT. This degradation occurs over a time course comparable to postal transportation of samples for laboratory analysis and may alter the clinical interpretation of results.