Effects of Storage on Serum Non-Esterified Fatty Acid Concentrations.

Abstract

The effect of storage of serum at various temperatures on the non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations has been studied. A significant increase in NEFA occurred in 24-hr. even in sera kept in a frozen state at -15[degree]C. At 10[degree]C the effect of storage was more marked and still more so at 25[degree]C. In sera containing artificial chylomicrons from infused fat emulsion, enormous rises occurred during storage except when the sera were frozen in which case the rise was moderate. Refrigerated heptane extracts of sera for NEFA analyses were found stable for at least several days. It is recommended that sera for NEFA analyses be extracted promptly after collection.