Method validation for preparing urine samples for downstream proteomic and metabolomic applications

Background: Formal validation of methods for biospecimen processing in the context of accreditation in laboratories and biobanks is lacking. A protocol for processing of a biospecimen (urine) was validated for fitness-for-purpose in terms of key downstream endpoints. Methods: Urine processing was optimized for centrifugation conditions on the basis of microparticle counts at room temperature (RT) and at 4°C. The optimal protocol was validated for performance (microparticle counts), and for reproducibility and robustness for centrifugation temperature (4°C vs. RT) and brake speed (soft, medium, hard). Acceptance criteria were based on microparticle counts, cystatin C and creatinine concentrations, and the metabolomic profile. Results: The optimal protocol was a 20-min, 12,000 g centrifugation at 4°C, and was validated for urine collection in terms of microparticle counts. All reproducibility acceptance criteria were met. The protocol was robust for centrifugation at 4°C versus RT for all parameters. The protocol was considered robust overall in terms of brake speeds, although a hard brake gave significantly fewer microparticles than a soft brake. Conclusions: We validated a urine processing method suitable for downstream proteomic and metabolomic applications. Temperature and brake speed can influence analytic results, with 4°C and high brake speed considered optimal. Laboratories and biobanks should ensure these conditions are systematically recorded in the scope of accreditation.