Role of the preanalytical stage in the examination of gingival fluid

Background. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is currently used as the main method for evaluating the level of cytokines in gingival fluid. The discrepancies in the results are largely attributed to the use of various methods of sample collection and storage. Objective: to assess the role of the preanalytical stage (collection and storage of gingival fluid) in the examination of patients with inflammatory periodontal diseases. Material and methods. The study included 20 women aged between 40 and 55 years; of them, 10 patients had moderate chronic periodontitis and anodontia, whereas the remaining 10 patients had only anodontia with no pathological changes in periodontal tissues. The 0.155 M sodium chloride solution containing 0.2 % ProClin biocide (series 300) was used to extract the specimens. Results. The use of media with antimicrobial activity for the extraction of gingival fluid immediately after its collection by a paper pin ensures accurate evaluation of the levels of the main cytokines. The advantages of ProClin include the suppression of multiple microorganisms in gingival fluid and prevention of cytokine destruction. Conclusion. The addition of ProClin 300 in the extraction and storage solution used for gingival fluid collection may increase the sensitivity and specificity of cytokine detection in the diagnosis of inflammatory periodontal diseases.