Stability of hematologic analytes in New Zealand white rabbits using an impedance-based analyzer

The validity of hematologic data is crucial for correctly diagnosing certain conditions and providing accurate research results. However, delays in blood testing are inevitable.

This study aimed to determine whether prolonged storage at different temperatures affects CBC measurand stability in rabbit whole blood using the impedance-based Scil Vet ABC hematology analyzer.

Hematologic tests were performed on whole blood samples collected from 20 New Zealand white rabbits at <1 hour post-blood collection as the baseline and at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-blood collection, with aliquots stored at 21 and 4°C. CBC measurand stability was determined by comparing the obtained values at each time point to the baseline value. Statistically significant variations were compared with current quality specifications to determine if a meaningful bias existed.

Hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration remained stable for 72 hours in blood stored at 4°C. No meaningful bias was observed for mean corpuscular volume after 48 and 72 hours of storage at 4°C. Only the white blood cell count was stable for 72 hours at 21°C. The platelet count, hemoglobin concentration, and mean platelet volume were not stable at 6 hours post-blood collection at either temperature.

The results of this study showed that the hematocrit can be tested for 72 hours in blood stored at 4°C, without a significant change from the baseline value. However, if all hematologic measurands are of interest, the immediate testing of blood samples, namely <1 hour post-blood collection, remains highly recommended.