EFFECT OF STORAGE TIME ON PT, APTT AND FIBRINOGEN AT ROOM TEMPERATURE

Abstract

Background: Coagulation parameters are essential part of clinical and laboratory workup, Pre-Analytical variables like collection, anticoagulation, transportation, storage and hematocrit all effect coagulation parameters tests and accuracy of results, like PT, APTT and fibrinogen. As transportation and storage effecting time and temperature are very variable, they can interfere with the results of coagulation parameters. Aim: To study the effect of time on coagulation parameters PT, APTT, and Fibrinogen at Room temperature. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 70 adult asymptomatic patients 18 years or older. Sample in 3.2% citrate vials with blood to citrate ratio 9:1 were run in automatic analyser (Stago compact) and results were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad QuickCalcs .Results: PT and Fibrinogen did not have clinically relevant changes up to 24 hours and APTT upto 4 hours at Room temperature Conclusion:, PT and Fibrinogen measurement could be safely stored for upto 24 hours at Room temperature, while APTT can only be stored upto 4 hours at Room temperature.