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Effects of temperature and duration of sample storage on the haematological characteristics of western grey kangaroos ( Macropus fuliginosus )
Author(s) -
HULMEMOIR KL,
CLARK P.,
SPENCER PBS
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
australian veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1751-0813
pISSN - 0005-0423
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2006.tb13400.x
Subject(s) - zoology , biology , blood collection , veterinary medicine , medicine , emergency medicine
Objective To investigate the effects of storage duration and temperature on haematological analyses performed on blood from the western grey kangaroo ( Macropus fuliginosis ). Method Blood samples from five western grey kangaroos were stored at 4°C, 24°C and 36°C. Each sample was analysed haematologically over a 5‐day period. Results The blood samples maintained optimal stability at 4°C. At this temperature the haematological values remained essentially unchanged for the duration of the study, while samples stored at 36°C and 24°C showed significant changes in some haematological measures by 12 h and 48 h, respectively. Disturbances in leukocyte morphology were evident, to varying degrees, in all samples. Conclusions Blood samples from macropodids should be tested within 48 h of collection if stored at a room temperature of about 24°C. Where testing is to be delayed for more than 48 h, samples should be refrigerated as soon as possible. Exposure of samples to heat in excess of 24°C should be avoided at all times.