Abstract
Background: The credibility of the result of a complete blood count (CBC) is closely connected with the preanalytical phase. Aim of the study: This study evaluated the impact of improper filling of microtubes and assessed the effect of storage conditions on results of CBC. Materials and methods: Blood samples collected into microtubes provided to the laboratory were studied. To determine the effects of sample volume on CBC result, blood from 14 adult volunteers were drawn, and test-tubes were filled with 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 μl. In the stability studies, overfilled samples stored at ambient temperature were analysed at: 1, 2 and 3 hours after phlebotomy. The analyses were made with the Sysmex KX-21N and XT-1800i analysers. Results: More than 75% of the analysed samples for CBC were incorrectly filled and mainly overfilled (60%). An excess collection of blood volume resulted in the decrease of haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cells and mean corpuscular volume as well as in an increase in the number of platelets. The storage of overfilled microtubes for CBC for 3 hours at room temperature had no further effect on the results of this test. Conclusion: Medical staff does not keep the instructions of the manufacturers. It might lead directly to a reduction of the results credibility and a decrease of the quality of the analysis.
Published Version
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