Abstract
Non-human vertebrate blood is commonly collected and assayed for a variety of applications, including veterinary diagnostics and physiological research. Small, often non-lethal samples enable the assessment and monitoring of the physiological state and health of the individual. Traditionally, studies that rely on blood physiology have focused on captive animals or, in studies conducted in remote settings, have required the preservation and transport of samples for later analysis. In either situation, large, laboratory-bound equipment and traditional assays and analytical protocols are required. The use of point-of-care (POC) devices to measure various secondary blood physiological parameters, such as metabolites, blood gases and ions, has become increasingly popular recently, due to immediate results and their portability, which allows the freedom to study organisms in the wild. Here, we review the current uses of POC devices and their applicability to basic and applied studies on a variety of non-domesticated species. We located 79 individual studies that focused on non-domesticated vertebrates, including validation and application of POC tools. Studies focused on a wide spectrum of taxa, including mammals, birds and herptiles, although the majority of studies focused on fish, and typical variables measured included blood glucose, lactate and pH. We found that calibrations for species-specific blood physiology values are necessary, because ranges can vary within and among taxa and are sometimes outside the measurable range of the devices. In addition, although POC devices are portable and robust, most require durable cases, they are seldom waterproof/water-resistant, and factors such as humidity and temperature can affect the performance of the device. Overall, most studies concluded that POC devices are suitable alternatives to traditional laboratory devices and eliminate the need for transport of samples; however, there is a need for greater emphasis on rigorous calibration and validation of these units and appreciation of their limitations.
Highlights
Blood has been collected from non-human vertebrates for decades to obtain information about organismal physiology, health and condition
The i-STAT analyser was determined to be acceptable for the measurement of pH, partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide with temperature correction, as well as lactate, but given that derived correction factors varied by species and only a lone temperature point was examined, the authors cautioned against broad applicability across taxa and temperatures without further testing (Gallagher et al, 2010)
Minilab erythrocyte number measurements were thought to have varied from laboratory reference values due to physiological differences in human and teleost red blood cells, because this device was originally calibrated for use on human samples (Iwama et al, 1995). These studies suggest that the i-STAT, Minilab analyser and ExacTech glucose meter are useful in the measurement of blood parameters in teleost fish; species-specific validation is necessary for these devices because they were originally designed for use on mammals
Summary
Blood has been collected from non-human vertebrates for decades to obtain information about organismal physiology, health and condition. Minilab erythrocyte number measurements were thought to have varied from laboratory reference values due to physiological differences in human and teleost red blood cells, because this device was originally calibrated for use on human samples (Iwama et al, 1995) These studies suggest that the i-STAT, Minilab analyser and ExacTech glucose meter are useful in the measurement of blood parameters in teleost fish; species-specific validation is necessary for these devices because they were originally designed for use on mammals. The Accu-chek glucose meter and Lactate Pro were the most widely used POC devices, followed by the i-STAT, Freestyle blood glucose meter, Accutrend and Accusport lactate meters The use of these POC devices in teleost fish across a wide range of applied studies demonstrates their usefulness in field and laboratory-based physiology, and the need for further species-specific validation of these tools. Application studies examined the physiological effects related to sleep apnoea in Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris; Stockard et al, 2007), as well as an assessment and post-release monitoring of mass-stranded dolphins (Sampson et al, 2012)
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