In our lab we are measuring serum Na concentrations using a Medica Easylyte device. We prefer to use fresh sample to do our readings and when we do they generally come out fine. However, when we have to freeze the sample we run into issues. Once the samples are thawed the serum NA concentrations are much lower then in fresh sample and continue to drop with additional readings. The samples are stored at -80 degrees Celsius in Fisher brand microcentrifuge tubes (02-682-556). Does anyone have any idea what is happening?
In my point of view,this is may regard to the crystallisation of some NA during freezing process, as well to some of it may react to produce NAOH (that means some of it are consume in such reaction).
Regards,
Naseer Almukhtar
Not only the value of sodium but potassium and chloride results may also change after thawing, therefore we always measured all the serum electrolytes with fresh sample.
How much of a difference are you seeing? I have tested samples after freezing with no significant issues for electrolytes just to see. There were slight variations, but these were minimal.
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