The effects of heparin concentration, storage time, and temperature on the values of hematological parameters in Cyprinus carpio

Abstract

The results of hematological analyses may be affected by preanalytical factors such as sampling procedure, type and concentration of anticoagulant, or conditions and time of blood storage. In the present study the effects of various concentrations of heparin (0-200 IU/cm3) and different times (2, 24, or 48 h) and temperatures (4 or 22 °C) of blood storage on the values of hematological parameters in Cyprinus carpio were evaluated. Increase in heparin concentration resulted in a decrease in frequency of erythroblasts, a reduction of leukocyte and thrombocyte counts, and a decrease in oxidative metabolic activity of phagocytes. Storage for 2 h at 22 °C resulted in a decrease in erythrocyte, leukocyte, and thrombocyte counts, while at 4 °C an increase in corpuscular hemoglobin values and a beginning of decrease in leukocyte count occurred after 24 h. These results indicate that heparin concentrations should be minimized and equal for all blood samples (preferably 50 IU/cm3), blood must be refrigerated immediately after sampling, and the analyses should be performed not later than 1 day after sampling.