Influence of storage temperature for respiratory epithelial samples on ciliary functional analysis

Introduction and Aim: Primary ciliary dyskinesia is characterized by inherited stationary or dyskinetic respiratory cilia. Digital high speed videomicroscopy is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosis but lacks standardization. Particularly, the temperature for samples conservation has never been studied. The study goal was to compare ciliary analysis after samples storage at 4°C or 22°C. Agreement between two independent observers was sought as secondary goal.

Material and Methods: Ciliated epithelial samples were obtained by inferior turbinate brushing from 13 healthy subjects, divided equally and conserved at 4°C or at 22°C. Digital high speed videomicroscopy assessed ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and percentage of normal ciliary beat pattern (CBP) nine hours after sampling.
Results: There was no significant difference when samples were stored at 4°C or 22°C. Median CBF was 13.37 (12,23 –15,37) Hz and 15.24 (12,89 –16,06) Hz at 4°C and 22°C respectively (p = 0.210). Percentage of normal CBP was 81,80% (63,75 – 90,65) and 80,00% (71,70 – 87,30) at 4°C and 22°C respectively (p = 0.910). Moreover, inter observer analysis showed high agreement rate with 93,4% for the CBF and 90.0% for the CBP.

Conclusion: This pilot study suggested with a high inter observer agreement rate that the temperature for respiratory ciliated samples conservation had no effect on ciliary function analysis. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results, notably in pathological conditions.