Tear sample collection using cellulose acetate absorbent filters

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Abstract
Purpose:  To assess the use of cellulose acetate filter rods as a technique for tear collection. Method:  The cellulose acetate rod (CR) was compared with the ‘standard’ glass capillary tube (CT), in a series of experiments, to assess: sample collection by collected volume size; the effect of tear stimulation on total tear protein concentration and major tear protein concentrations; and technique invasiveness. Results:  No difference was found in concentrations for total protein, IgA (secretory immunoglobulin A), lactoferrin and lysozyme ( p >  0.05) with no clinically significant increase in serum albumin to show serum leakage. Sample volume was higher for CR ( p <  0.005) and sample volume increased for stimulated collection with CR ( p =  0.001). Dilution effect of a stimulated sample size was reliably shown only with CR ( r =  −0.66, p =  0.011). Using bovine albumin standard with CR and CT, a smaller sample volume ( p <  0.001) and a higher protein concentration ( p <  0.001) were extracted with CR. Conclusion:  The cellulose rod offers a suitable alternative to the glass CT. It is able to quickly absorb a sample, allowing use for a wide range of sample sizes, while being minimally invasive.

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