title: Determining the stability of complete blood count parameters in stored blood samples using the SYSMEX XE-5000 automated haematology analyser.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study, changes that occur in various blood parameters as determined by the Sysmex XE-5000 analyser upon storage of blood samples for 72 h were investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Blood specimens (200) were processed through the SYSMEX XE-5000 haematology analyser within 4 h of collection. Each specimen was distributed into two aliquots and one stored at 4 °C and the other at room temperature (25 ± 1 °C). Both stored aliquots were retested after 24, 48 and 72 h. The mean, mean per cent change and mean absolute difference between the value at 4 h and each time point for all parameters were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among CBC parameters tested, the white cell count, red cell count and haemoglobin levels were found to be stable for up to 72 h. The mean cell volume and haematocrit changed significantly following 24-h storage at room temperature. Reticulocytes were stable for 72 h under both storage conditions. Among the differential parameters, results of the monocyte count displayed significant change after 24-h storage at room temperature.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data presented suggest that clinically reliable results for some CBC parameters can be obtained from specimens that are stored at 4 °C for up to 72 h.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: McVicker
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Segalla
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Favaloro
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Luu
authors.affiliation: Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vanniasinkam
mesh_terms: D057205:Automation, Laboratory; D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods
keywords: Haematology analyser; Sysmex XE-5000; complete blood count parameters; storage of blood at 4 °C; storage of blood at room temperature; storage of blood samples