What is the maximum time we can store blood before the tests, FBC and total protein? and at what temperature?
Dear Bhagya,
Your mean is Full Blood Count (FBC)?
About the protein, your mean is total protein? in Blood sample or serum/plasma?
best
mehdi
Yes. Full blood count and total protein leve. Both are measured from whole blood
About the stability of sample for CBC or FBC, different references recommend different times (at least 8 hours and maximum 72 hours or 3 days).
About the temperature, the most common condition which is recommend is at 2-8 º C (average 4 º C).
But if you are testing a special parameter in the FBC test, this is a little different.
For example:
Red and white cell counts are maintained within acceptable limits of error for about 24
hours, but red cell indices (MCV, MCHC and MHC) are not stable more than 8 hours. When stored at 4 ºC , this conservation time increases up to 48 hours for complete blood count (CBC) and until 24 hours for RBC indexes.
Storage of K2-EDTA anti coagulated blood at room temperature for up to 4 days caused changes in some but not all hematologic parameters measured. Specifically, the WBC, RBC, HGB, and PLT were found to be stable for up to 3 days. Retic % and #, but not the IRF, were stable for the duration of the study.
best
mehdi