Abstract
Introduction
Reliable specimen collection and transport are fundamental to obtain high-quality test results in the hematology laboratory. Recognizing the effect of fluctuations in transport and storage conditions, time, and temperatures on the integrity of specimens and quality of results may help define the optimal transport and storage parameters. We designed an IRB-approved quality improvement study to investigate the effects of temperature fluctuation and duration of storage on blood parameters.
Methods
Ten volunteers donated blood for the study. All samples were deidentified and volunteers were blinded to the results without any review of their charts. Eight EDTA vials were collected from each volunteer and were immediately stored in heating blocks/refrigerators/freezers at selected temperatures including 0°C, 2 to 8°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C and at room temperature (21°C). Blood parameters were then measured using sysmex XN series at 0, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours and values were analyzed.
Results
We observed that total white cell count, Hb, MCH, and platelets were stable for 12 hours at 2 to 35°C. RBCs and MPV were stable for 12 hours at 2 to 30°C, whereas blood parameters including Hct, RDW, MCV, and MCHC were stable up until 12 hours at room temperature but not at higher temperatures. All parameters were stable at 2 to 8°C even up to 48 hours.
Conclusion
It is preferable to perform CBC on blood specimens as soon as they are received. However, our data suggest that most of the blood parameters are stable for at least 12 hours at room temperature. The integrity of specimens and consequently the quality of the results deteriorate above 35°C and when stored longer than 24 hours; 2 to 8°C is the optimal temperature range for specimen transport, especially if delays in analysis are anticipated.
Effect of temperature fluctuation on colour change and softening of postharvest sweet cherry
