Red Blood Cells and Platelets Conventional and Research Parameters: Stability Remarks Before Their Interpretation

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To analyze the stability of red blood cells, platelets, and reticulocytes of the research parameters, in combination with the respective conventional parameters, for each analyte; and to quantify the morphological changes in these analytes, to propose a correction factor for each. Methods Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) blood specimens from patients were reanalyzed in 2-hour intervals and then, the mean percentage (X¯t%) changes were calculated. To evaluate the stability of the analyzed material, we used different criteria according to within-run and between-batch analytical variation, as well as intraindividual biological variation. Next, the mean deviation percentage of the parameters that undergo time-dependent significant changes was calculated, to obtain a correction factor. Results Several conventional and research parameters showed significant alterations in the stability at an early time after arrival at the laboratory. Conclusion Cell variations over time can be quantified and corrected by applying a multiplying factor to the signal obtained in the analyzer.