Canine reference intervals for coagulation markers using the STA Satellite(R) and the STA-R Evolution(R) analyzers

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Hematology
• Clinical Pathology
• Coagulation Science

Background:

• Accurate reference intervals are crucial for diagnosing coagulation disorders in dogs.
• International guidelines recommend specific methods for establishing these intervals.
• Previous canine coagulation reference intervals may not align with current analytical platforms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine canine reference intervals for prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, and antithrombin (AT).
• To validate these intervals using international recommendations and assess analytical performance.
• To ensure reliable hemostasis testing in veterinary diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the STA Satellite analyzer to determine within-laboratory imprecision (coefficients of variation).
• Assessed specimen stability at 4°C for whole blood and plasma.
• Established nonparametric reference intervals using citrated plasma from 139 healthy dogs.
• Validated intervals on the STA-R Evolution analyzer using Passing-Bablok regression analysis.

Main Results:

• Within-laboratory imprecision ranged from 1.3% (APTT) to 6.9% (fibrinogen).
• Citrated specimens showed stability up to 8 hours (whole blood) and 36 hours (plasma) at 4°C.
• Reference intervals established on STA Satellite were: PT 6.9–8.8 sec, APTT 13.1–17.2 sec, fibrinogen 1.24–4.30 g/l, AT 104–188%.
• Transferred intervals to STA-R Evolution were: PT 7.1–9.2 sec, APTT 12.9–17.3 sec, fibrinogen 1.20–4.43 g/l, AT 94–159%.

Conclusions:

• Established validated canine reference intervals for PT, APTT, fibrinogen, and AT.
• Demonstrated analytical performance and specimen stability suitable for clinical use.
• Provided essential data for accurate interpretation of coagulation test results in veterinary medicine.