Evaluation of sample handling in relation to levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 measured in blood by immunoassay

Abstract

Handling and processing of blood samples is crucial for TIMP-1 measurement by immunoassay. In serum, TIMP-1 levels are unaffected by time to processing. Plasma samples should be processed within eight hours to avoid a TIMP-1 increase. For the measurement of TIMP-1 in archival material, serum should not be used because TIMP-1 levels are significantly affected by repeated freezing and thawing; archival plasma can readily be used provided that samples have not been frozen and thawed more than six times.