title: Effects of temperature and duration of sample storage on the haematological characteristics of western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effects of storage duration and temperature on haematological analyses performed on blood from the western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosis).
  
  
  METHODS
  Blood samples from five western grey kangaroos were stored at 4 degrees C, 24 degrees C and 36 degrees C. Each sample was analysed haematologically over a 5-day period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The blood samples maintained optimal stability at 4 degrees C. At this temperature the haematological values remained essentially unchanged for the duration of the study, while samples stored at 36 degrees C and 24 degrees C showed significant changes in some haematological measures by 12 h and 48 h, respectively. Disturbances in leukocyte morphology were evident, to varying degrees, in all samples.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Blood samples from macropodids should be tested within 48 h of collection if stored at a room temperature of about 24 degrees C. Where testing is to be delayed for more than 48 h, samples should be refrigerated as soon as possible. Exposure of samples to heat in excess of 24 degrees C should be avoided at all times.
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Division of Animal Health, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia. P.Clark@murdoch.edu.au
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Hulme-Moir
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: P B S
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Spencer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary; D007614:Macropodidae / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors