title: Stability of stored canine plasma for hemostasis testing.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Clinica Veterinaria Privata San Marco and Laboratorio d'Analisi Veterinarie San Marco, Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Furlanello
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Caldin
authors.forename: Annachiara
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stocco
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tudone
authors.forename: Vito
authors.initials: V
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; 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