Stability of stored canine plasma for hemostasis testing.
BACKGROUND
A review of the literature revealed limited information about the stability of samples for coagulation testing in dogs.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of individual coagulation factors, clotting times, and other parameters of hemostasis in stored canine plasma.


METHODS
Citrated plasma samples were obtained from 21 dogs. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen concentration, and factor I, II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII activities were measured on an automated coagulation analyzer with commercially available reagents. Antithrombin (AT) activity and D-dimer concentration were measured on an automated chemistry analyzer using validated kits. Samples were analyzed within 1 hour after collection (initial analysis) and once daily for 2 or 4 consecutive days following storage at room temperature (RT) or 4 degrees C, respectively.


RESULTS
Storage time at either temperature did not have any effect on PT, factor II, V, VII, X, or XII activities, D-dimer concentration, or AT activity. In contrast, aPTT was significantly prolonged after 72 and 96 hours at 4 degrees C; fibrinogen concentration was decreased after 48 hours at RT; the activities of factors VIII and IX were decreased after 48, 72, and 96 hours at 4 degrees C; and factor XI activity was decreased after 72 hours at 4 degrees C.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that storage of canine plasma for 2 days at RT does not have a significant effect on hemostasis test results with the exception of a slight decrease in fibrinogen concentration. In contrast, aPTT and factors VIII, IX, and XI were unstable in refrigerated plasma after 48 or 72 hours of storage.
Furlanello
Tommaso
T
Clinica Veterinaria Privata San Marco and Laboratorio d'Analisi Veterinarie San Marco, Padova, Italy.
Caldin
Marco
M
Stocco
Annachiara
A
Tudone
Elena
E
Tranquillo
Vito
V
Lubas
George
G
Solano-Gallego
Laia
L
D000818:Animals; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D004285:Dogs / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010949:Plasma / Q000737:chemistry*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000662:veterinary*; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors