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SRM 1955, Homocysteine and Folate in Human Serum; Production of a New Standard Reference Material

Published

Author(s)

Mary B. Satterfield, B C. Nelson, Lorna T. Sniegoski, Adriana Hornikova, Nien-Fan Zhang, Christine M. Pfeiffer, Michael J. Welch

Abstract

Homocysteine (HCY) and folate are interrelated biomarkers for arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease with health problems associated with increased levels of homocysteine and low levels of folate. Although many different tests for both HCY and folate are clinically available, the intermethod and interlaboratoratory results are often poor, resulting in the need for a matrix reference material and reference methods. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed new isotope dilution LC/MS and LC/MS/MS methods for determination of total HCY and several folate forms including 5-methyl tetrahydrofolic acid (5MT) and folic acid (FA). Additionally, a new method for measurement of HCY, 5MT, and FA in the same trial has been developed and validated. In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mass spectrometric and clinically-relevant methods have been used in preparation of a new Standard Reference Material (SRM), SRM 1955, Homocysteine and Folate in Human Serum with low, medium and high levels of these analytes. Use of the new SRM should improve clinical measurements and will permit traceability to internationally recognized certified reference materials, as described by European Directive 98/79/EC on in vitro diagnostic medical devices.
Citation
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

Keywords

5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, folates, folic acid, homocysteine, isotope dilution mass spectrometry, standard reference material

Citation

Satterfield, M. , Nelson, B. , Sniegoski, L. , Hornikova, A. , Zhang, N. , Pfeiffer, C. and Welch, M. (2008), SRM 1955, Homocysteine and Folate in Human Serum; Production of a New Standard Reference Material, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (Accessed April 25, 2024)
Created October 16, 2008