Metabolite profiles from dried blood spots for metabonomic studies using UPLC combined with orthogonal acceleration ToF-MS: effects of different papers and sample storage stability

Bioanalysis. 2011 Dec;3(24):2757-67. doi: 10.4155/bio.11.280.

Abstract

Background: Investigations have been undertaken of the effects of storage on the utility of using dried blood spots, collected and stored on a paper substrate, combined with reversed-phase ultra-performance LC (UPLC), electrospray ionization orthogonal acceleration ToF-MS (UPLC-oaToF-MS), as a method for performing global metabolic profiling studies. In addition, a range of products used to collect these blood spots have also been studied for effects on the UPLC-MS background.

Results: These preliminary data suggest that sample stability in this application is limited unless the cards are stored at, at least, -20°C and preferably at -80°C. In addition, the use of untreated cards is recommended to minimize incurred background interferences.

Conclusion: Further investigations are necessary to improve the utility of this methodology in global metabolite profiling.

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid*
  • Dried Blood Spot Testing*
  • Humans
  • Metabolome*
  • Paper*
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Specimen Handling*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization*
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors