Effect of beta propiolactone viral inactivation on alpha1 antitrypsin values.

AIMS: alpha1 Antitrypsin was undetectable in several patient samples treated with 0.5% beta propiolactone, which was used as a virucidal agent. This study was designed to confirm beta propiolactone as the cause and determine why it might have such an effect. METHODS: Volumes of 0, 5, 10, and 20 micro l of beta propiolactone were added to 2 ml aliquots of serum to make final concentrations of 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% of beta propiolactone. alpha1 Antitrypsin concentrations and the pH were measured at different time intervals. The effects of adding buffer before the addition of beta propiolactone, NaOH after beta propiolactone, and 6M HCl instead of beta propiolactone were also measured. RESULTS: The addition of beta propiolactone to a volunteer's serum showed a fall in both alpha1 antitrypsin values and pH with increasing time and concentration of beta propiolactone. This effect was also seen when adding HCl, but was partially prevented by buffering the serum or adding NaOH. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that it is the acidity of the degradation products of beta propiolactone that is responsible for the fall in alpha1 antitrypsin values. This fall in alpha1 antitrypsin values was dependent on the concentration of beta propiolactone used and the length of time before the test was performed. The effect of beta propiolactone on laboratory tests should be re-evaluated, with attention being paid to sample pH, storage time, and storage temperature.