title: Artifactual changes in canine blood following storage, detected using the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Veterinaria Privata San Marco and Laboratorio d'Analisi Veterinarie, San Marco, Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Furlanello
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tasca
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Caldin
authors.forename: Erika
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Carli
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Patron
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tranquillo
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lubas
authors.forename: Laia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Solano-Gallego
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins