I require serum samples of HCC for detection of some proteins which are predicted to be potential Biomarkers for HCC. I have encountered a collection of more than 300 serum samples of HCC stored at -20C for 4 years. I wanted to know if it is possible to use them for my study.
If you are sure that the samples stored at -20C continuously I hope that the answer is affirmative, but before you can assess few samples for looking to the correct results
Yes if you are sure it has not undergone freeze & thaw cycles. Attached are few articles which may help:
Article Stability of anti-HIV antibodies in serum samples stored for...
Article Banking of Biological Fluids for Studies of Disease-associat...
Article The Impact of Sample Storage Time on Estimates of Associatio...
The increase or decrease in markers measured in stored specimens due to changes over time can bias estimates of association between biomarkers and disease outcomes.
Hi,
From your question I'm concluding that you have no data that reflects long-term stability for these proteins. Without comparison spiked samples immediately after for example serum handling and after 4 years you can’t assess stability. (or comparision between fresh sample and the same sample after 4 years of freezeing if you cant spike). It's a typical part of stability studies across method validation.
Generally, proteins are very stable at low temperatures. If your biomarkers have structure close to other proteins with described stability in low temperature and a long time of freezing then you can also conclude that you're samples are stable. Generally, it's very hard to damage the protein by low temperature.
Best regards
Tomasz
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