Stability of packed cell volume in dogs with nonregenerative anaemias from immediate to 24 hours posttransfusion

The aim of this study was to evaluate red blood cell volumes posttransfusion in dogs receiving packed red blood cell transfusions to establish optimal posttransfusion sampling times and evaluate if equilibration has a significant impact on these dogs. Dogs with nonregenerative anaemias that were receiving packed red blood cell transfusion had packed cell volumes (PCV) measured immediately post, 15 min, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h posttransfusion. No difference (P < 0.05) was found between the PCV and total solids (TS) at any of the measured times. These data indicate that PCV/TS obtained immediately posttransfusion can be used in clinical decision-making instead of waiting for up to 24 h for equilibration of the PCV/TS.