Effect of storage on measurement of ionized calcium and acid-base variables in equine, bovine, ovine, and canine venous blood.

This research conducted a study to observe the stability of blood ionized calcium and acid-base variables in equine, bovine, ovine, and canine blood samples that were stored at 4 C for different periods. The results suggest that despite some acid-base changes, storing the blood samples at this temperature leads to minimal changes in blood calcium concentrations for up to 48 hours in the case of equine, bovine, and ovine blood and up to 9 hours for canine blood.

Research Method

• The experiment carried out a systematic analysis on venous blood samples from different species (equines, bovines, ovines, and canines). In each group, 15 samples were used.
• The blood samples were stored at 4 degrees Celsius in a specified time duration (3, 6, 9, 24, or 48 hours).
• Throughout each storage period, the concentration of ionized calcium (Ca2+) and various acid-base variables were measured. These variables included the pH level, tensions of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood, base excess, bicarbonate concentration, and total carbon dioxide content.

Findings of the Study

• Despite observable changes in acid-base variables, the blood samples from horses, cows, and sheep (equines, bovines, ovines) showed less than 1.5% change in calcium ion concentration when they were stored at 4 degrees Celsius for up to 48 hours.
• In canine blood samples, the study reported similar changes in calcium ion concentration for the initial 9 hours of storage at 4 degrees Celsius.
• However, after 24 and 48 hours of storage, the canine blood samples revealed a clinically significant decrease in calcium ion concentration. The decrease was 10.5% for samples stored for 24 hours and enhanced to 15.5% for samples stored for 48 hours.

Conclusions

• The findings suggest that despite some acid-base changes recorded during storage, the calcium ion concentration in venous blood samples from horses, cows, and sheep remains largely stable (less than 1.5% change) when stored at this temperature for up to 48 hours.
• In the case of canine blood samples, a stable calcium Ion concentration can be maintained for a shorter period (up to 9 hours) when stored under the same conditions.
• Considering these results, the calcium ion concentration measured in equine, bovine, and ovine venous blood samples stored for up to 48 hours, as well as in canine samples stored for up to 9 hours at 4 degrees Celsius, proves to be of diagnostic utility.