Effects of Blood Processing Techniques on Sodium and Potassium Values: A Comparison Between Aldabra Tortoises (Geochelone gigantea) and Burmese Mountain Tortoises (Manouria emys)

Abstract

Storage of blood samples with and without anticoagulant at 4 degrees C significantly improved the stability of potassium and sodium concentrations in both species of tortoises. Early separation of red cells from serum or plasma after blood collection is especially important to ensure the reliability of potassium measurements.

Temporal effects of 3 commonly used anticoagulants on hematologic and biochemical variables in blood samples from macaws and Burmese pythons

“…The significant increase in potassium concentration and decrease in glucose concentration in lithium heparin plasma were most likely related to leakage of intracellular potassium from erythrocytes (although we are unaware of studies on intraerythrocytic potassium concentration in these species) and glucose utilization by erythrocytes. Our findings are consistent with results previously reported for Aldabra tortoises ( Geochelone gigantea ) and Burmese mountain tortoises ( Manouria emys ) 16. Plasma should be separated immediately to prevent artifactual error in these analytes.…”

Evaluation of point‐of‐care analysers for blood gas and clinical chemistry in Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni)

“…Both POC analysers underestimated blood K concentrations. POC analysers may be especially useful for evaluation of potassium in the field, as in chelonians late separation of red cells from serum or plasma after blood collection may interfere with the measurement reliability (Abou‐Madi & Jacobson ). Underestimation of potassium may potentially lead to an underdiagnosis of conditions that result in hyperkalaemia, such as acute renal failure (Divers ).…”

Comparison of total calcium, ionised calcium and albumin concentrations in the plasma of captive tortoises (Testudo species)

“…In addition, blood from tortoises of different species and sexes may well react differently to storage, have different reference ranges and may also differ in the relative protein binding of calcium in the blood (Abou‐Madi and Jacobson 2003, Eatwell 2007). This means that this data generated on a heterogenous population, although a useful guide, should be considered only a preliminary investigation into the relationships of these biochemical parameters.…”