RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The validity of hematologic data is crucial for correctly diagnosing certain conditions and providing accurate research results. However, delays in blood testing are inevitable. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether prolonged storage at different temperatures affects CBC measurand stability in rabbit whole blood using the impedance-based Scil Vet ABC hematology analyzer. METHODS: Hematologic tests were performed on whole blood samples collected from 20 New Zealand white rabbits at <1 hour post-blood collection as the baseline and at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-blood collection, with aliquots stored at 21 and 4°C. CBC measurand stability was determined by comparing the obtained values at each time point to the baseline value. Statistically significant variations were compared with current quality specifications to determine if a meaningful bias existed. RESULTS: Hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration remained stable for 72 hours in blood stored at 4°C. No meaningful bias was observed for mean corpuscular volume after 48 and 72 hours of storage at 4°C. Only the white blood cell count was stable for 72 hours at 21°C. The platelet count, hemoglobin concentration, and mean platelet volume were not stable at 6 hours post-blood collection at either temperature. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the hematocrit can be tested for 72 hours in blood stored at 4°C, without a significant change from the baseline value. However, if all hematologic measurands are of interest, the immediate testing of blood samples, namely <1 hour post-blood collection, remains highly recommended.
