Effects of storage time and temperature on ionized calcium concentration in equine blood, plasma, and serum.

The research article investigates the impact of storage time and temperature on the stability of ionized calcium concentrations and pH values in equine blood, plasma, and serum samples.

Objective and Methodology

• The study seeks to understand the stability of ionized calcium (Ca2+) concentrations and pH values in equine (horse) venous samples under varying conditions of storage time and temperature. This understanding can help in determining the validity of these samples for diagnostic use when they are not immediately analyzed.
• The tested venous samples (12 in each group) were stored at two different temperatures 4°C and -20°C for given durations, with some samples being stored at 4°C for 3, 9, 24, and 48 hours (blood, plasma, and serum) while others stored for 240 hours (plasma, and serum). Now, another set of samples (plasma and serum) were stored at -20°C for 240 hours.

Results

• The findings showed that storage of equine blood, plasma, and serum samples at 4°C for up to 48 hours and of serum samples at 4°C for up to 240 hours, showed less than 1.5% change in blood, plasma, and serum Ca2+ concentrations, despite significant pH changes.
• This implies that the concentration of Ca2+ in these samples remains relatively stable, notwithstanding the storage time and temperature. Hence, these samples can be useful for diagnostic purposes even after certain periods of storage.

Significance

• The results of this research are significant because they give veterinarians and researchers guidelines for the storage of equine blood, plasma, and serum samples that are to be used for diagnostic purposes.
• Knowing that Ca2+ concentration in equine blood, plasma, and serum samples remains relatively stable during storage at 4°C for specific durations, they can utilize those samples for analysis at a later time without questioning the validity of the diagnostic results obtained from those samples.