EVALUATION OF COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) STARCH AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SERUM SEPARATOR TUBES FOR ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE AND FASTING BLOOD SUGAR

The need for sustainable and biodegradable alternatives in laboratory diagnostics has prompted interest in natural polymers for serum separation. While synthetic serum separator tubes (SSTs) are widely used for biochemical analyses, concerns over their environmental impact and potential interference with test results necessitate exploration of alternative materials. However, limited studies have examined the viability of plant-based polymers in this application. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Cocos nucifera (coconut) starch gel as a natural substitute for SSTs in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) testing. Experimental trials were conducted using starch gel at varying concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) to assess serum separation efficiency and its influence on laboratory parameters. The results demonstrated that higher concentrations of starch gel improved serum separation, with 75% starch gel achieving optimal performance, minimizing hemolysis, and yielding clear serum samples. ALT levels remained stable across all concentrations, indicating no significant interference. However, FBS levels exhibited notable variability, suggesting possible interactions between the starch gel and glucose measurement. These findings highlight the potential of Cocos nucifera starch gel as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional SSTs, reducing reliance on synthetic materials. Nevertheless, further refinement is required to enhance its stability and ensure its reliability for clinical applications. Future research should explore its impact on additional biochemical parameters and optimize its formulation to align with existing laboratory standards.