Which analyte is sensitive to light and should be protected from light during storage?

Which analyte is sensitive to light and should be protected from light during storage?

• A. Bilirubin
• B. Glucose
• C. Potassium
• D. Hematocrit

Answer: (A)

Bilirubin is highly sensitive to light. When exposed to light, bilirubin undergoes photochemical changes (photoisomerization), converting to forms like lumirubin that are not measured the same way by standard bilirubin assays. This exposure can cause the apparent bilirubin level to drop, leading to falsely low results. To get an accurate measurement, samples containing bilirubin must be protected from light from collection through storage and handling. Using amber tubes or wrapping in foil and keeping them away from direct light helps maintain the true bilirubin concentration. The other options aren’t primarily affected by light in the same way. Glucose stability is more about preventing glycolysis by cells (often requiring glycolysis inhibitors or prompt processing), while potassium and hematocrit are not generally impacted by light exposure in routine storage.

Bilirubin is highly sensitive to light. When exposed to light, bilirubin undergoes photochemical changes (photoisomerization), converting to forms like lumirubin that are not measured the same way by standard bilirubin assays. This exposure can cause the apparent bilirubin level to drop, leading to falsely low results. To get an accurate measurement, samples containing bilirubin must be protected from light from collection through storage and handling. Using amber tubes or wrapping in foil and keeping them away from direct light helps maintain the true bilirubin concentration.

The other options aren’t primarily affected by light in the same way. Glucose stability is more about preventing glycolysis by cells (often requiring glycolysis inhibitors or prompt processing), while potassium and hematocrit are not generally impacted by light exposure in routine storage.