EFFECT OF ANTICOAGULANT TYPE DURING THE BLOOD SAMPLE COLLECTION PROCESS ON THE DETERMINATION OF THE ACYLCARNITINE PROFILE IN BLOOD AND PLASMA

background: the collection process for blood sampling is a very important factor that can influence the final results of some laboratory tests. the acylcarnitine determinations in blood are usually used for diagnosis and follow up of patients suffering certain inherited metabolic illnesses. objective: this study analyzed the possible influence of the type of anticoagulant used in blood sampling on the acylcarnitine profile. methodology: blood and plasma samples were collected using anticoagulants such as: lithium heparin, potassium edta, sodium fluoride-potassium oxalate, and sodium citrate. samples were also collected without the use of anticoagulants. acylcarnitine levels were assessed for each sample via tandem mass spectrometry. results: no significant differences were found among the anticoagulant used. conclusion: the type of anticoagulant has no effect on the acylcarnitine determination on blood or plasma. for this type of analysis any of the above mentioned anticoagulants can be used. abbreviations: esi-ms/ms, electrospray injection tandem mass spectrometry; iem, innate errors of metabolism.