Authors : Sree Ramya D, Nagalakshmi Vijayambika J, Eswari V
DOI : 10.18231/j.ijpo.2020.123
Volume : 7
Issue : 4
Year : 2020
Page No : 625-630
Background: For evaluating and monitoring of both inpatients and outpatients, complete blood count
is one of the commonly performed investigations but at times it is challenging to evaluate all the blood
samples on the collected day due to various factors like manpower shortages, weekends, and a single cell
counter. Inspite of all these conditions we need to provide accurate report to patients. Hematology results
are often influenced by the time between blood sampling and measurement as well as the storage conditions
during sample delivery. This is because the hematological elements have limited stability in EDTAanticoagulated
blood. The stability of hematological parameters has improved after the anticoagulated
blood is refrigerated.
Aim: The aim is to investigate the effect of room temperature and refrigerated storage on complete blood
counts and peripheral blood smear on automated hematological parameters.
Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 100 patients. Hematological parameters like
Hemoglobin, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Platelet count, Red blood cell and White blood cell count were
analyzed in room temperature storage and refrigerated storage at 40c for 24hrs using automated hematology
analyzer. Peripheral blood smear from samples stored at room temperature and at 40 C in refrigerators for
24hrs were also examined.
Results: The study revealed RBC count and Hemoglobin were unaffected by storage at room temperature
and refrigerated storage. Whereas MCV showed significant increase with storage at room temperature and
WBC showed decrease in count with storage at room temperature that is preserved by refrigeration.
Keywords: Hematological parameters, Refrigerated storage, Room temperature.