Effects of leukoreduction on N-methylhistamine concentration in stored units of canine whole blood.

Objective: To determine the effects of leukoreduction on N-methylhistamine (NMH; a stable histamine metabolite) concentration in units of canine whole blood during storage and incubation at room temperature (approx 22 °C) to simulate temperature conditions during transfusion.

Animals: 8 healthy adult Walker Hounds.

Procedures: A standard unit of blood (450 mL) was obtained from each dog twice, with at least 28 days between donations.