This study evaluated possible alterations in different hematologic parameters [total erythrocyte count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MHCM), total leukocyte count and platelet count], of blood samples submitted to varied storage times at both 4ºC and at room temperature. The analyses were performed using a Sysmex XT2000i automated hematology analyzer. Written consent was obtained from donors with no hematological disorders or clinical abnormalities and thus from individuals with apparently normal laboratory reference values for healthy adults. The results were analysed by descriptive statistics with comparisons of the means being achieved by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The means of the MCHC parameters and platelet count showed significant statistical differences for both storage temperatures. At room temperature the hematocrit, MCV and red cell distribution width (RDW) readings also presented statistically significant differences. Therefore, it can be concluded that hemogram results performed by automated blood analyzers are satisfactory when carried out within 24 hours after drawing the blood sample for most of the parameters evaluated.
Blood; blood count; storage of materials and supplies; equipment; parameters
