Mean platelet volume artifacts: the effect of anticoagulants and temperature on canine platelets

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Hematology
• Clinical Pathology
• Platelet Physiology

Background:

• Accurate Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) measurement is crucial for clinical diagnosis.
• Specimen handling variables, including anticoagulant and temperature, can introduce pre-analytical errors.
• Artifactual increases in MPV can limit its diagnostic utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different anticoagulants and temperatures on MPV measurements in canine specimens.
• To identify optimal conditions for preserving platelet morphology and accurate MPV assessment.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for specimen handling in MPV analysis.

Main Methods:

• Split canine blood specimens were analyzed using two anticoagulants (EDTA and citrate).
• Specimens were incubated at two temperatures (4°C and 37°C) for up to 4 hours.
• Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) was measured, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to assess platelet morphology.

Main Results:

• EDTA anticoagulant at 4°C resulted in the most significant artifactual increase in MPV.
• Citrate anticoagulant at 37°C demonstrated minimal changes in MPV and preserved platelet disc shape.
• Platelet shape changes from smooth discs to irregular spheres with filopodia were observed under suboptimal conditions.

Conclusions:

• Citrate anticoagulant maintained at 37°C is recommended for accurate MPV measurements in canine specimens.
• Proper specimen handling is essential to avoid pre-analytical artifacts affecting MPV results.
• Adherence to recommended protocols ensures the clinical reliability of MPV as a diagnostic tool.