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Abstract

Knowledge of factors influencing blood sample integrity is important to interpret results correctly. Effects of storage duration at different temperatures on porcine uncentrifuged blood samples are poorly described.The objective of this study were to elucidate effects of storage time and temperature on different porcine biochemical analytes. Multiple clotted, uncentrifuged blood samples from ten gilts were collected and samples were centrifuged 2h after sampling in the laboratory. Remaining samples were stored chilled (at 4±2°C, CT) or at room temperature (20 ± 2°C, RT). Samples were centrifuged 6, 12, 24, 48 or 72hours after arriving at the laboratory. Storage characteristics and stability of albumin (Alb), calcium (Ca), creatinine (Creat), iron (Fe), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), glucose (Gluc), magnesium (Mg), inorganic phosphate (P), total protein (TP) and urea were studied. Test repeatability was within acceptable diagnostic limits. A significant time effect was found for Alb (P<0.001), Ca (P<0.0001), Creat (P<0.0001), GLDH (P<0.0001), Gluc (P<0.0001), Mg (P<0.0001), P (P<0.0001) and TP (P<0.0001). Over time, Alb, GLDH, Mg, P and TP increase while Ca, Creat and Gluc decrease. A temperature effect was identified for Ca (P<0.05), GGT (P<0.05), GLDH(P<0.0001), Gluc (P<0.0001), Mg (P<0.0001) and P (P<0.0002). All values, except Gluc, were higher when stored at RT. Gluc values were lower when stored at RT. This study highlights the importance of standardized storage routines of porcine clotted blood samples to ensure the validity of biochemical analyses.