Blood sample stability at room temperature for counting red and white blood cells and platelets.

Author(s): Vogelaar SA, Posthuma D, Boomsma D, Kluft C

Publication: Vascul Pharmacol, 2002, Vol. 39, Page 123-5

PubMed ID: 12616978 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of storing K3EDTA blood specimens at room temperature for 48 h on counts of red and white blood cells and platelets.

   Summary of Findings:

   Counts of red and white blood cells and platelets were highly correlated between time points (Spearman's coefficient 0.94-0.99) with coefficients of variance between 0 and 4.6%. Although white blood cell counts showed the highest correlation between timepoints, subpopulations of white blood cells were poorly correlated. Neutrophils and monocytes decreased over 48 h of storage while lymphocytes and eosinophils increased. Mean platelet volume also increased significantly with storage. The authors also report that time of year and gender, but not medication, fasting, smoking or pregnancy had a minor effect on cell counts after storage. In conclusion, blood specimens stored at room temperature for up to 48 h may be used for counts of red and white blood cells and platelets, but are not acceptable for analysis of specific white blood cell subtypes.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Blood

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Normal
   • Pregnant
   • Not specified

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Cell count/volume	Coulter counter

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Storage	Time at room temperature	4 h 48 h
   Preaquisition	Patient gender	Female Male
   Preaquisition	Diagnosis/ patient condition	Pregnant Non-pregnant
   Preaquisition	Patient diet	Fasting Non-fasting

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