The preanalytic phase in veterinary clinical pathology

Abstract

This article presents the general causes of preanalytic variability with a few examples showing specialists and practitioners that special and improved care should be given to this too often neglected phase. The preanalytic phase of clinical pathology includes all the steps from specimen collection to analysis. It is the phase where most laboratory errors occur in human, and probably also in veterinary clinical pathology. Numerous causes may affect the validity of the results, including technical factors, such as the choice of anticoagulant, the blood vessel sampled, and the duration and conditions of specimen handling. While the latter factors can be defined, influence of biologic and physiologic factors such as feeding and fasting, stress, and biologic and endocrine rhythms can often not be controlled. Nevertheless, as many factors as possible should at least be documented. The importance of the preanalytic phase is often not given the necessary attention, although the validity of the results and consequent clinical decision making and medical management of animal patients would likely be improved if the quality of specimens submitted to the laboratory was optimized.

Influence of Blood Sample Hemolysis on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Cows During Early Lactation

“…The results are consistent with earlier results obtained in other animal species and humans (Lippi et al, 2008;Koseoglu et al, 2011;Anđelić et al, 2013;Braun et al, 2015). The changes in the HCT, PCV, and RBC numbers occur because the lysed RBC are not included in the count or measurement of the PCV (the HCT is dependent on the RBC count).…”

Reproducibility, stability, and biological variability of thrombin generation using calibrated automated thrombography in healthy dogs

“…In people, blood collection via catheters introduces more variability and potential error in CAT results compared to direct venipuncture into a collection tube . Blood collection methods for hemostatic assays in veterinary medicine have not been standardized, and therefore catheter‐assisted blood collection could similarly affect CAT results in dogs . Additionally, other preanalytical factors such as sample handling and storage prior to running an assay could affect CAT.…”

Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Point-of-Care Testing

“…These include both technical variables such as choice of anticoagulant and temperature of a stored/shipped sample, but also biologic factors inherent with the sampled animal such as fed or fasted state, stress/excitement, age, etc. [9].…”

“…As previously stated, laboratory error is divided into pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical error. The pre-analytic phase of testing includes the steps preceding analytic examination of the specimen including the clinician's request, preparation and identification of the patient, sample collection, as well as transportation to and within the lab [9]. These include both technical variables such as choice of anticoagulant and temperature of a stored/shipped sample, but also biologic factors inherent with the sampled animal such as fed or fasted state, stress/excitement, age, etc.…”