Effects of temperature and storage time on canine hematologic parameters using the Nihon Kohden MEK-6450 hematology analyzer

Delay between sampling and sample analysis can occur when blood samples are transported to reference laboratories or coincide with holidays. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of hematological analytes in canine blood samples using Nihon Kohden MEK-6450 hematology analyzer. Blood samples were collected from 40 clinically healthy dogs in EDTA-containing tubes and examined for 1 hour using Nihon Kohden MEK-6450 analyzer. The samples were then stored at 4 and 24 ° C and re-analyzed at 3, 6, 24 and 48 hours after collection. Significant changes in blood analytes in samples from dogs included, HCT and MCV were increased at 24 h at both temperatures (4 and 24 ° C) and was decreased in MCHC from 6 h at 4 ° C and 24 h at 24 ° C and MPV was increased at 6 h at 4 ° C, respectively. Platelet count was also decreased from 6 h at both temperatures. There were no significant changes in RBC, WBC counts and hemoglobin concentration during the study. Although most changes in hematological analytes were analytically acceptable and clinically insignificant in samples when stored at 4 and 24 ° C, however, the best way to measure hematological analytes is immediate analysis after sampling. The blood samples are preferable to be analyzed within an hour after collection.