Effects of Blood Storage on Cell Population Data

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Clinical Pathology
• Laboratory Medicine

Background:

• Cell population data (CPD) are leukocyte morphologic parameters from automated hematology analyzers.
• CPD has demonstrated clinical utility in diagnosing and screening pathological conditions.
• Investigating storage-induced CPD changes is crucial for accurate interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of peripheral blood storage at room temperature on CPD values.
• To provide information on storage-induced CPD changes and their clinical implications.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed venous blood from healthy donors stored at room temperature (18-25°C) using a Coulter DxH800 hematology analyzer.
• Collected CPD including mean cellular volume, conductivity, and light scatter angles for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes.
• Prepared and microscopically examined peripheral blood smears at different storage intervals.

Main Results:

• Peripheral blood storage at room temperature significantly affects CPD values for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes over time.
• CPD changes correlate with, but are detected earlier than, observed morphologic alterations.
• Some storage-induced CPD changes can mimic clinical pathological conditions, such as aged neutrophils resembling myelodysplastic syndrome.

Conclusions:

• Storage-induced CPD changes impact the clinical application and interpretation of automated digital morphologic parameters.
• Understanding these changes is vital for reliable use of CPD in diagnostics.
• Further research is needed to establish standardized protocols for blood sample handling and CPD analysis.