Preparing for another Ebola Outbreak: The impact of viral inactivation methods on commonly measured biochemistry analytes in plasma and urine.

INTRODUCTION

Infectious specimens containing viruses like Ebola require sample manipulation to ensure the safety of laboratory staff, which may negatively impact biochemistry test results. We evaluated the impact of viral inactivation methods on 25 biochemistry analytes in plasma, and seven biochemistry analytes in urine.

METHODS

Fifteen lithium heparinized plasma specimens with and without gel underwent the following viral inactivation methods: 1) untreated, 2) Triton X-100 treatment, 2) heated for 60 min then Triton X-100 treatment, 3) heated for 60 min, 4) heated for 75 min, and 5) heated for 90 min. Electrolytes, protein, enzymes, glucose, as well as hepatic and renal markers were measured on the Roche Cobas e601, c502 or c702. Urinalysis analytes were measured on the Siemens CLINITEK. Acceptable recovery was based on Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare 2021 guidelines or ± 1 for urinalysis.

RESULTS

Potassium and lactate dehydrogenase were impacted by the presence of gel. Viral inactivation with Triton X-100 had minimal impact on the biochemistry results. Heat inactivation resulted in significant negative bias in alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, creatinine, total protein, amylase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase. Positive bias in phosphate, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, and uric acid were observed after heat inactivation.

CONCLUSION

Reliable results for commonly measured electrolytes, enzymes and proteins can be obtained after viral inactivation by Triton X-100 treatment at room temperature. However, heat inactivation has significant negative impact on routine biochemistry enzymes and alternative testing processes should be explored.