Comparison of glass K3EDTA versus plastic K2EDTA blood-drawing tubes for complete blood counts, reticulocyte counts, and white blood cell differentials.

Author(s): Van Cott EM, Lewandrowski KB, Patel S, Grzybek DY, Patel HS, Fletcher SR, Kratz A

Publication: Lab Hematol, 2003, Vol. 9, Page 10-4

PubMed ID: 12661823 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to compare collection and storage of blood specimens in glass K3EDTA tubes versus plastic K2EDTA tubes for complete blood and reticulocyte counts, white blood cell differentials, and flagging rates on the automated cell counter.

   Summary of Findings:

   Minor statistically significant differences (less than 5%) in some parameters were seen between the two collection tube types both before and after overnight storage at 4 degrees C. Specimens in Vacutainer K3EDTA glass tubes had slightly lower values than those in Vacutainer K2EDTA Plus plastic tubes. However, the authors believe none were likely to be of clinical relevance. The authors attribute some of the discrepancies to the liquid K3EDTA anticoagulant which causes specimen dilution versus the spray-coating of dry K2EDTA. There was no difference in flagging rates on the automated cell counter.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Blood

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Normal
   • Other diagnoses
   • Neoplastic - Other

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Cell count/volume	Hematology/ auto analyzer
   Protein	Hematology/ auto analyzer

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Type of collection container/solution	Glass tube Plastic tube
   Storage	Storage duration	4 h 24 h
   Storage	Storage temperature	4 degrees C
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Anticoagulant	Potassium EDTA Multiple forms evaluated

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