Rapid Measurement of Adenosine Concentration in Human Blood Using FixedPotential Amperometry: Comparison with Mass Spectrometry and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Background: Adenosine is a nucleoside that impacts the cardiovascular system during cardiovascular or inflammatory diseases. The rapid determination of adenosine in blood may be useful in emergency medicine especially in syncope diagnose or septic shock. We compare its measurement in blood using fixed potential amperometry (FPA), with usual methods: mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Methods: Twenty healthy subjects (14 men and 6 women) and ten patients suffering from vasovagal syncope (VVS, 6 women and 4 men) were included. Blood samples were collected by vein puncture for plasma adenosine assay and in the same time using finger puncture for direct FAP measurement and on blotting paper for LC-MS/MS. Results: Mean plasma adenosine concentration was 26% higher using HPLC compared with LC-MSMS; p<0.01. In whole blood, adenosine concentration was 35% higher using FPA compared with LC-MS/MS. We found a good correlation between adenosine values measured by FAP and LC-MS/MS in whole blood and between LCMS/ MS and HPLC in plasma. Mean adenosine concentration was higher in patients whatever the method used. Conclusion: Adenosine measurement to the patient’s bed, using FPA may be useful in some cases where high adenosine is associated with pejorative outcome.