Measurement of the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in dried blood spots and venous blood-importance of inhibition of post-sampling formation from ethanol | Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)

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Citation
Tags

HERO ID

7768192

Reference Type

Journal Article

Title

Measurement of the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in dried blood spots and venous blood-importance of inhibition of post-sampling formation from ethanol

Author(s)

Beck, O; Mellring, M; Löwbeer, C; Seferaj, S; Helander, A

Year

2021

Is Peer Reviewed?

Yes

Journal

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
ISSN: 1618-2642
EISSN: 1618-2650

Volume

413

Issue

Page Numbers

5601-5606

Language

English

PMID

33590314

DOI

10.1007/s00216-021-03211-z

Web of Science Id

WOS:000618168200001

Abstract

Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a group of phospholipids formed in cell membranes following alcohol consumption by action of the enzyme phospholipase D (PLD). PEth measurement in whole blood samples is established as a specific alcohol biomarker with clinical and forensic applications. However, in blood specimens containing ethanol, formation of PEth may continue after sampling leading to falsely elevated concentrations. This study evaluated the use of dried blood spot (DBS) and microsampling specimens to avoid post-sampling formation of PEth. Filter paper cards and three commercial devices for volumetric microsampling of finger-pricked blood were assessed, using PEth-negative and PEth-positive whole blood fortified with 2 g/L ethanol. PEth (16:0/18:1) was measured by LC-MS/MS. Post-sampling formation of PEth occurred in wet blood and in the volumetric devices, but not filter paper cards, when stored at room temperature for 48 h. Addition of an inhibitor of PLD, sodium metavanadate (NaVO3), eliminated post-sampling formation during storage and drying. In conclusion, the present study confirmed previous observations that PEth can be formed in blood samples after collection, if the specimen contains ethanol. The results further demonstrated that post-sampling formation of PEth from ethanol also occurred with commercial devices for volumetric dried blood microsampling. In order for a PEth result not to be questioned, it is recommended to use a PLD inhibitor, whether venous blood is collected in a vacutainer tube or finger-pricked blood is obtained using devices for dried blood microsampling.