Objectives Retrospective studies frequently assume analytes long-term stability at ultra-low temperatures. However, these storage conditions, common among biobanks and research, may increase the preanalytical variability, adding a potential uncertainty to the measurements. This study is aimed to evaluate long-term storage stability of different analytes at Methods Twenty-one analytes commonly measured in clinical laboratories were quantified in 60 serum samples. Samples were immediately aliquoted and frozen at <-70 degrees C, and reanalyzed after 11 +/- 3.9 years of storage. A change in concentration after storage was considered relevant if the percent deviation from the baseline measurement was significant and higher than the analytical performance specifications. Results Preanalytical variability (CVP) due to storage, determined by the percentage deviation, showed a noticeable dispersion. Changes were relevant for alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, glucose, magnesium, potassium, sodium, total bilirubin and urate. No significant differences were found in aspartate aminotransferase, calcium, carcinoembryonic antigen, cholesterol, C-reactive protein, direct bilirubin, free thryroxine, gamma-glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, prostate-specific antigen, triglycerides, thyrotropin, and urea. As nonnegligible, CVP must remain included in reference change value formula, which was modified to consider whether one or two samples were frozen. Conclusions After long-term storage at ultra-low temperatures, there was a significant variation in some analytes that should be considered. We propose that reference change value formula should include the CVP when analyzing samples stored in these conditions.

Breath tests used to evaluate carbohydrates malabsorption require baseline H2 and CH4 levels as low as possible. Test cancellation is recommended when exceeding certain cut-offs (H2 ¿ 20 ppm and CH4 ¿ 10 ppm). Although following preparation protocols, many patients have baseline levels above those cut-offs. We investigated if light walking can reduce baseline H2 and CH4 levels. We retrospectively analyzed baseline H2 and CH4 levels from 1552 breath tests. Baseline levels (B1), especially in H2, were lower when obtained at later hours of the day. In those with baseline levels above cut-off, re-sampling (B2) after light walking for one hour, decreased H2 levels 8 ppm (Q1-Q3: 1-18 ppm), and 2 ppm (Q1-Q3: 0-3 ppm) for CH4. Consequently, 40% of tests with elevated B1 levels, presented B2 levels below mentioned cut-offs. Ten percent of tests considered negative when using B1 for calculations, turned positive when using B2 instead. All positive tests when using B1 values, remained elevated when using B2. Re-sampling after light walking for one hour could allow test performance in those with previous elevated baseline levels, avoiding diagnosis delays. Using the second sample for delta calculations identifies positive patients for malabsorption that would have been considered negative.