The effects of blood collection tube components on canine routine biochemistry and hormone assays

Various blood collection tubes with different contents may adversely affect the accuracy of laboratory test results. Blood collection tubes containing clot activators and gel separator material are widely used in clinical chemistry. However, no studies have been performed on the possible effects of the components of these tubes on the stability of routine biochemical factors, in dogs. The present study was designed to determine the effects of clot activator tubes with or without gels, and also storage time on some common blood analytes in dogs and compare them with sodium heparin plasma and plain tube. Blood samples from ten dogs were collected in tubes containing clot activators, clot activators and gel, sodium heparin, and plain tubes. The concentration of more than 20 analytes was measured immediately and also 96 h after sampling, stored at 4 °C. Most parameters did not show any significant differences; however, significant differences for GGT activity and potassium concentration were present among different tubes, on the first day. After 96 h, there were significant differences for albumin, triglyceride, and potassium among different tubes. Furthermore, a significant effect of time was observed on cholesterol, calcium, phosphorous, and cortisol values in the heparinized plasma. In conclusion, most analytes were stable in all blood collection tubes. The serum samples with or without gel and clot activators had advantages over heparinized plasma for measurement of some analytes investigated in this study, with the exception of potassium.