Abstract
The complete blood count (CBC) with differential leukocyte count (DLC) is one of the most common tests requested by physicians. The results of this test are affected by storage temperature and time of incubation. This study was designed to evaluate the stability of hematologic parameters in blood specimens stored for 48 h at three temperatures. K2-EDTA - blood was collected from 22 healthy adults. The CBC was performed using a hematology analyser immediately; 0 time point and at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 48 h after storage at 4 °C, 10 °C or 23 °C. Changes in values of CBC parameters from the 0 time point were determined and reported as % of the initial value. Red blood cells, platelet, hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were found stable during 48 h storage at 4 °C, 10 °C or 23 °C. Hematocrite and mean corpuscular volume increased, while white blood cells decreased at 48 h when stored at 23 °C. Lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils showed significant differences after 12 h of storage at 23 °C. Red blood cells, platelet, hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin are the only suitable parameters without refrigeration during 24 h storage. When CBC and DLC are performed, 4 °C can be recommended as the most suitable storage temperature for 12 h storage.
Highlights
Pre-analytical errors account for up to 70% of all mistakes made in laboratory diagnostics, most of which arise from problems in patient preparation, sample collection, transportation, and preparation for analysis and storage [1], but not related to the highly standardized analytical process [2]
The complete blood count (CBC) with differential leukocyte count (DLC) is one of the most common tests requested by physicians
Hematocrite and mean corpuscular volume increased, while white blood cells decreased at 48 h when stored at 23 °C
Summary
Pre-analytical errors account for up to 70% of all mistakes made in laboratory diagnostics, most of which arise from problems in patient preparation, sample collection, transportation, and preparation for analysis and storage [1], but not related to the highly standardized analytical process [2]. Clinical hematology laboratories equipped with modern automated analyzers are capable of processing large volumes of hematology tests within a short period, delayed sample analysis is not uncommon in the clinical laboratory workflow when samples are transported from other laboratories or health centres to the laboratory, when analysis cannot be readily performed for technical reasons, or when sample needed for re-testing [4]. What we see as the missing point in these studies is that the analyses of different degrees for CBC and DLC storage were not conducted in a single standard study
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
