Enzyme stability after collection

Enzymes have different degrees of stability after their collection. Alkaline phosphatase demonstrates up to 10% increased activity after a few hours at room temperature (B15). Most enzymes are not stable at room temperature, but can be preserved in the refrigerator for short periods or in the deep freeze for relatively long times. In Table 4 are tabulated the reported stabilities of many serum enzymes. It must be realized that the problem of enzyme stability is complicated by the fact that the isoenzymes of a particular enzyme may have different stabilities and that specimens with high activities may react differently than those with normal activities (KIO). Although it is indicated in Table 4 that serum... 

Delays of more than two hours after the collection is completed may lead to markedly erroneous results. Urines with bacterial overgrowth, hemolyzed blood, or those obtained following any type of instrumental examination of the urinary tract may also lead to erroneous results, and should not be used for assays of enzyme activities. The stability of some clinically important enzymes in the various body fluids is given in Table IV. 

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