The Effect of Storage Temperatures and Time on Complete BloodCount Parameters

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the stability of Complete Blood Count under the storage temperature and period of storage.

Methodology:The study was carried out at the haematology laboratory of Mubarak Alkabeer Hospital—a total of 18 samples of male patients’ blood in the EDTA tubes. There were two groups of samples: The refrigerated group, which stored the sample at 4-8°C, and the room temperature group, in which a sample was kept at room temperature, 21°C. The parameters of the Complete Blood Count included White Blood Cells, Red Blood Cells, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Mean Corpuscular Volume, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration, Red Cell Distribution Width, Platelet Count, and Mean Platelet Volume were measured daily for five days. For the refrigerated group, stability at time points of more than five days was considered. The analysis was performed using a Unicell DxH800 analyzer.

Results: The stability of a Complete Blood Count can be dependent on how it is stored. Both White Blood Cells and Mean Platelet Volume. Mean Platelet Volume had a significant variability, with White Blood Cell count being reduced by Day 4 and Mean Platelet Volume increased by Day 5. Red Blood Cells and Hemoglobin maintained relatively constant levels in both conditions. Still, there were more pronounced differences in Mean Corpuscular Volume and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin, especially when left at room temperature. Hematocrit was found to fluctuate under environmental conditions, while Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin declined consistently. A relative difference of a Red Blood cell parameter was observed in the form of a Red Cell Distribution Width elevation, suggesting that variation in the size of the red cells has occurred over time. The samples refrigerated at 4-8°C showed higher stability for almost all the parameters of Complete Blood Count than at room temperature

Conclusion: It is preferable that the Complete Blood Count testing be performed on the day of collection. Parameters including White Blood Cells, Mean Corpuscular Volume and Mean Platelet Volume gravity declined significantly at the ambient temperature, raising the imperative required to make sure to adhere correctly to the storage procedures for proper test value results.