Effects of Time of Collection and Sample Processing on von Willebrand Factor Concentration in Retired Racing Greyhounds

Abstract

Concentrations of von Willebrand factor (vWF) are less than 30% in approximately 10% of Greyhounds. That sample collection, processing, and storage can affect the concentration of vWF in plasma of Greyhounds. Nineteen healthy former racing Greyhounds. Prospective study: Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein of dogs at 4 times during the day. Samples were divided and processed in each of 3 ways. The 1st tube was centrifuged immediately, the 2nd tube was kept in a household refrigerator, and the 3rd tube was kept at room temperature for 3 hours before centrifugation and processing. There were no significant differences in the vWF concentration between different sample storage and processing (P = 5.31). There was no statistically significant diurnal variation in vWF concentration in the samples evaluated (P = .37). Time of sample collection and short-term storage temperature do not influence the vWF concentration in retired racing Greyhounds.