Hematologic Evaluation of Normal and Anemic Lambs with the Technicon H1 Using EDTA or Heparin as Anticoagulants

• Published in: Veterinary clinical pathology Vol. 29; no. 2; pp. 62 - 68
• Main Authors: Vatn, Synnøve, Framstad, Tore, Torsteinbø, Wenche O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-01-2000
• Subjects: Anemia; EDTA; hematology; heparin; lambs; ovine; Technicon H1
• ISSN: 0275-6382; 1939-165X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-165X.2000.tb00401.x

: A study was performed to evaluate blood from young lambs using the Technicon H*1 hematology analyzer, with emphasis on RBC parameters, comparison of tripotassium EDTA and heparin, and the effects of storage on heparinized blood. Blood samples from lambs 2 days to 18 weeks of age were analyzed within 6 hours, revealing a high precision, except for WBC counts in heparinized blood. The HCT values estimated by the H*1 correlated well (r2= .90) with those obtained by the microhematocrit method. Mean hematologic values obtained for heparinized blood differed by up to 4% from values obtained for blood collected into EDTA. WBC counts decreased 8.4% in heparinized blood stored at 4°C for 1 day, but differences observed in RBC counts were ≤ 2%. Problems occurred when analyzing blood from young lambs with low hemoglobin values because the H*1 incorrectly counted microcytes with volumes of < 10 fL as platelets. When the necessary corrections were performed, the H*1 was useful for analyzing RBC parameters in lamb blood collected both into EDTA and into heparin.