Impact of storage temperature and time before analysis on electrolytes (Na, K, Ca), lactate, glucose, blood gases (pH, pO, pCO), tHb, OHb, COHb and MetHb results.

Objectives: The objective of our study is to evaluate the effect of storage temperature and time to analysis on arterial blood gas parameters in order to extend the CLSI recommendations.

Methods: Stability of 12 parameters (pH, pCO₂, pO₂, Na, K, Ca, glucose, lactate, hemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin) measured by GEM PREMIER™ 5000 blood gas analyzer was studied at room temperature and at +4 °C (52 patients). The storage times were 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min.