Minimal variation of the plasma lipidome after delayed processing of neonatal cord blood.

Background: Cord blood lipids are potential disease biomarkers. We aimed to determine if their concentrations were affected by delayed blood processing.

Method: Refrigerated cord blood from six healthy newborns was centrifuged every 12 h for 4 days. Plasma lipids were analysed by liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy.

Results: Of 262 lipids identified, only eight varied significantly over time. These comprised three dihexosylceramides, two phosphatidylserines and two phosphatidylethanolamines whose relative concentrations increased and one sphingomyelin that decreased.

Conclusion: Delay in separation of plasma from refrigerated cord blood has minimal effect overall on the plasma lipidome.