Stability and comparison of complete blood count parameters between capillary and venous blood samples

Abstract

IntroductionThis study assessed the comparability of complete blood count (CBC) parameters between capillary and venous samples, and extended previous research by examining the influence of different storage temperatures on CBC stability up to 7 days after sample collection.MethodsVenous and capillary blood samples were collected from 93 adult patients. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean platelet volume (MPV), leukocytes, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, erythrocytes, red cell distribution width (RDW), immature granulocytes (IG), immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF), monocytes, neutrophils, platelets, and reticulocytes were measured. Deming regression and mean relative differences between venous and capillary measurements were contrasted with desirable total allowable error (TEa). Stability was assessed in 20–27 venous blood samples stored at 4, 21–22, or 30°C, and analyzed at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h. Mean relative change with respect to baseline measurements was compared to the desirable TEa to determine acceptable stability.ResultsDeming regression demonstrated strong linear correlations and acceptable variation between venous and capillary measurements. Erythrocytes, Hb, Ht, MCH, MCV, RDW, reticulocytes, and platelets showed acceptable stability for at least 96 h at 4°C. Mean relative change exceeded desirable TEa after 24 h at 30°C for all parameters, except erythrocytes, Hb, leukocytes, and MCH.ConclusionClinical laboratory specialists and clinicians should be aware of potential differences between venous and capillary measurements, and the influence of storage conditions. Clinical validity of delayed CBC analysis depends on the clinical situation and required precision of the result.

Variation in Parameters of Complete Blood Count Using Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA), Sodium Citrate and Lithium Heparin: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These parameters play a role in the diagnosis and monitoring of various health conditions. Hence, precise measurement is essential for effective patient care [1]. It serves as a diagnostic tool to assess human health, helping to detect congenital abnormalities and functional changes caused by exposure to potential diseases.…”

Consistency analysis of two fingertip capillary blood sampling methods for complete blood count

“…Blood collection using microcapillary blood collection tubes or microhematocrit tubes are two capillary blood collection methods commonly used in clinical laboratories and recommended by various national capillary blood collection guidelines, including that of China 6 , 7 . Existing studies are primarily limited to comparisons between venous and capillary blood collection and have shown inconsistent results 9 , 10 . However, the effect of different capillary blood collection methods on CBC results has rarely been reported.…”