Stability study of 17 clinical immunoassays analytes in serum and plasma samples within an automated storage and retrieval module: Assessment of add-on testing policies
Abstract
Background:: Additional tests are often requested on previously collected and stored samples. Automated storage and retrieval modules (SRMs) which are integrated into total laboratory automation (TLA) systems provide sealed, temperature-controlled storage and could potentially extend the scope of add-on testing. However, there is a lack of data regarding the stability of immunoassays when using an automated SRM. Methods:: We evaluated the short-term stability of 17 immunoassay analytes. Fresh serum and plasma samples were analysed using the Atellica IM (Siemens Healthineers) system at baseline and after storage in the SRM at 2-8 • C for 24, 48, and 72 h. Stability was assessed as the mean percentage change compared to the total limit of change (TLC), derived from analytical and biological variability. Results:: Most analytes remained stable for up to 72 h in both matrices. No significant differences were observed between serum and plasma, except for free T4, which exceeded its TLC in plasma after 72 h (+9.2%).
Conclusions:: This study demonstrates that most clinical immunoassays assessed on the Atellica IM module remained stable for up to 72 h in serum and plasma when stored in an automated SRM environment, except for free T4, which remained stable for up to 48 h in plasma. These findings support the feasibility and safety of performing delayed add-on tests in laboratories using TLA.
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BibTeX
@article{bouriche2026stability,
title = {{Stability study of 17 clinical immunoassays analytes in serum and plasma samples within an automated storage and retrieval module: Assessment of add-on testing policies}},
author = {Mohammed Bouriche and Cyril Leven and Hélène Kerspern and Emmanuelle Plee-Gautier and Clément Capaldo},
journal = {Clinical Biochemistry},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2026.111121},
url = {https://univ-brest.hal.science/hal-05732249v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Stability study of 17 clinical immunoassays analytes in serum and plasma samples within an automated storage and retrieval module: Assessment of add-on testing policies
AU - Mohammed Bouriche
AU - Cyril Leven
AU - Hélène Kerspern
AU - Emmanuelle Plee-Gautier
AU - Clément Capaldo
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/31
JO - Clinical Biochemistry
DO - 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2026.111121
UR - https://univ-brest.hal.science/hal-05732249v1
AB - Background:: Additional tests are often requested on previously collected and stored samples. Automated storage and retrieval modules (SRMs) which are integrated into total laboratory automation (TLA) systems provide sealed, temperature-controlled storage and could potentially extend the scope of add-on testing. However, there is a lack of data regarding the stability of immunoassays when using an automated SRM. Methods:: We evaluated the short-term stability of 17 immunoassay analytes. Fresh serum and plasma samples were analysed using the Atellica IM (Siemens Healthineers) system at baseline and after storage in the SRM at 2-8 • C for 24, 48, and 72 h. Stability was assessed as the mean percentage change compared to the total limit of change (TLC), derived from analytical and biological variability. Results:: Most analytes remained stable for up to 72 h in both matrices. No significant differences were observed between serum and plasma, except for free T4, which exceeded its TLC in plasma after 72 h (+9.2%). Conclusions:: This study demonstrates that most clinical immunoassays assessed on the Atellica IM module remained stable for up to 72 h in serum and plasma when stored in an automated SRM environment, except for free T4, which remained stable for up to 48 h in plasma. These findings support the feasibility and safety of performing delayed add-on tests in laboratories using TLA.
SN - 0009-9120
SN - 1873-2933
ER -