| Abstract
| - Abstract. A sample surveillance programme is scheduled to be conducted on measurement methods of haematology parameters which will include the participation of over 70 facilities. In preparation for that programme, a preliminary study was conducted, at five of the facilities, on the effects of cold storage and transport on rat and dog blood samples. The blood samples used in this study were taken from healthy, untreated rats and dogs from stocks held at each facility, and were anticoagulated with EDTA-2K. The blood samples were stored undisturbed at 4-10°C. The effects of transporting samples were also investigated by placing aliquots of the same samples in a cooler (4-13°C) containing a cold insulator. Red blood cell counts (RBC), total white blood cell counts (WBC), haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (HGB) and platelets (PLT) were measured twice for each sample, i. e., fresh and 24 hours later, and these results were compared. Although blood sampling conditions were similar for all facilities, each facility employed its own method with respect to the analysis. Automated haematology analysers used included the Toa Sysmex E4000/CS, Toa Sysmex E5000, Coulter S-Plus STRK, Technicon H*1 and Nihon Kohden MEK-4500. In the case of rat blood samples, measured values after undisturbed cold storage, fluctuating by −2 to +1% in comparison with values before storage. Measured values after cold transport fluctuated by −2 to +7% in comparison with those before transport. It was concluded, for rat blood samples, that neither storage condition had a significant effect on the results. In the case of dog blood samples, RBC, HCT and HGB values fluctuated by +1 to +2% and 0 to +2% in comparison with prestorage and pretransport values, respectively. They were not, therefore, significantly affected by undisturbed cold storage or cold transport. However, WBC values increased by +18% after undisturbed cold storage and by +18% after cold transport. Conversely, PLT values decreased by −20% both after undisturbed cold storage and cold transport. It is known that dog blood samples are affected by cold storage, and a similar trend was observed in this study. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that the distribution of rat blood samples for the conduct of a sample survey of analytical methods under cold storage is suitable, and that it will be necessary to have the samples prepared at a single facility.
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