Artifactual changes in canine blood following storage, detected using the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer.
BACKGROUND
Artifactual changes in blood may occur as a consequence of delayed analysis and may complicate interpretation of CBC data.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to characterize artifactual changes in canine blood, due to storage, using the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer.


METHODS
Blood samples were collected into EDTA from 5 clinically healthy dogs. Within 1 hour after blood sample collection and at 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours after storage of the samples at either 4 degrees C or room temperature (approximately 24 degrees C), a CBC was done using the ADVIA 120 and multispecies software. A linear mixed model was used to statistically evaluate significant differences in values over time, compared with initial values.


RESULTS
The HCT and MCV were increased significantly after 12 hours of collection at both 4 degrees C and 24 degrees C, and continued to increase through 48 hours. The MCHC initially decreased significantly at 12-24 hours and then continued to decrease through 48 hours at both temperatures. Changes in HCT, MCV, and MCHC were greater at 24 degrees C than at 4 degrees C at all time points. A significant increase in MPV and a decrease in mean platelet component concentration were observed at all time points at 24 degrees C. Samples stored at 24 degrees C for 48 hours had significantly higher percentages of normocytic-hypochromic RBCs, and macrocytic-normochromic RBCs, and lower platelet and total WBC counts.


CONCLUSIONS
Delayed analysis of canine blood samples produces artifactual changes in CBC results, mainly in RBC morphology and platelet parameters, that are readily detected using the ADVIA 120. Refrigeration of specimens, even after 24 hours of storage at room temperature, is recommended to improve the accuracy of CBC results for canine blood samples.
Furlanello
Tommaso
T
Clinical Veterinaria Privata San Marco and Laboratorio d'Analisi Veterinarie, San Marco, Padova, Italy.
Tasca
Silvia
S
Caldin
Marco
M
Carli
Erika
E
Patron
Carlo
C
Tranquillo
Massimo
M
Lubas
George
G
Solano-Gallego
Laia
L
D000818:Animals; D016477:Artifacts; D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000662:veterinary; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs; D004912:Erythrocytes; D005260:Female; D006405:Hematology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006454:Hemoglobins; D008297:Male; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D006454:Hemoglobins