Influence of anticoagulants on the measurement of S100B protein in blood

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate anticoagulants influence on plasma S100B levels. DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood were collected from 18 healthy adult subjects using: no anticoagulants, EDTA, heparin, and citrate. S100B levels were determined using LIA-mat assay. RESULTS: Heparin plasma and citrate increased plasma S100B levels (p < 0.001), whereas EDTA had no effect (p = 0.24). Heparin plasma samples were highly (r2 = 0.97, p < 0.001), citrate samples were moderately (r2 = 0.49, p < 0.001), and EDTA samples were not (r2 = 0.22, p = 0.059) correlated with serum samples. CONCLUSIONS: When anticoagulant is required, heparin plasma should be the primary choice for measurement of S100 B levels.