Journal Published Online: 04 February 2004
Volume 49, Issue 2

Measurement of Chemical Analytes in Vitreous Humor: Stability and Precision Studies

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The analytic accuracy and precision for measurement of chemical analytes in vitreous humor (VH) are critical if results are to be used in forensic pathology. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the stability and the reproducibility of VH sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, urea nitrogen, acetone, and beta-hydroxybutyrate in specimens obtained from both eyes in medical examiner cases. We also compared with calculated VH osmolalities. Small but significant increases were observed in VH electrolyte concentrations in specimens refrigerated 6– 12 months: sodium pre 144 mmol/L, post 151 mmol/L; potassium pre 12.0 mmol/L, post 12.8 mmol/L; chloride pre 121 mmol/L, post 123 mmol/L. No differences were observed between eyes, and within-day precision for all electrolyte measurements were excellent, (<1%). Frozen specimens showed significantly higher measured (439 mOsmol/kg) as compared with calculated osmolality (305 mOsmol/kg), with 1% within-day precision and no significance between eye variation for glucose and urea nitrogen. In 20 of 24 medical cases selected for possible ketoacidosis, measurement of beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations appears to be a promising diagnostic biomarker for confirming suspected ketosis in medical examiner cases by means of VH analysis.

Author Information

Gagajewski, A
University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN
Murakami, MM
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
Kloss, J
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
Edstrom, M
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
Hillyer, M
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
Peterson, GF
Hennepin County Medical Examiner Office, Minneapolis, MN
Amatuzio, J
Midwest Forensic Pathology, Minneapolis, MN
Apple, FS
University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
Pages: 4
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS2003152
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003152