Effects of Storage Duration and Temperature on Some Most Frequent Routine Biochemical Parameters

Storage of samples at a given temperature for future Laboratory investigation is a routine due to several technical constraints. This study was designed to determine the effect, reliability and accuracy of studied biochemical parameters upon prolonged sample storage at a given temperature. A total of hundred apparently healthy subjects of equal sex difference were recruited for the study. As case may be, either  plasma or serum extracted from the blood of the subjects were stored at -20 16??/m:t>">  and laboratory analysis carried out on day 1, day 2, day 20 and day 30 respectively for total protein, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL, aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase using WHO approved methods. The results of the biochemical parameters showed that the mean concentrations of total protein and albumin were significantly higher (P<0.05) after storage for 30days.The baseline value of the aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase activity exhibited a significant decrease (P <0.05) after day 30. Also a significant decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL on day 30. In conclusion samples for clinical purpose should be analyzed within two days, whereas that for research should not exceed 20 days to ensure reliability and accuracy. Keywords: Storage time, temperature, biochemicals, proteins, lipids, enzyme

Socio-economic determinants of the demand for Kebabs (Suya) among households in Umuahia North L.G.A. Of Abia State, Nigeria

This study was aimed at examining the determinants of the demand for Kebabs popularly known as suya among households in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Meat could be transformed into suya and in this case value is added to the product. This study was conducted in Umuahia North, with a total of 100 respondents who were administered with a set of questionnaires. Simple random sampling method was used in the selection of the respondents. This questionnaire acted as a source of primary data. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The result showed that total monthly expenditure, household size, monthly income and age of household heads were statistically significant at 1% and 5% levels of probability. It was  recommended that government should improve the income level of citizens so as to enable people consume more of this product.Key words: demand for kebabs, suy