Stability of hematological analytes depends on the hematology analyser used: a stability study with Bayer Advia 120, Beckman Coulter LH 750 and Sysmex XE 2100.

Aim: With the availability of newer hematology analysers, novel measurement techniques are being introduced into daily routine. As analyte stability may differ according to the employed measurement technique, the aim of this study was to assess the stability of hematologic analytes on different hematology analysers.

Methods: We investigated the effect of storage time and storage temperature on sample stability on three newer analytical systems (Advia 120, Bayer Diagnostics; XE 2100, Sysmex and LH 750, Beckman Coulter). Samples were obtained from 64 healthy volunteers and stored at room temperature as well at 4-8 degrees C in order to conduct analysis at different timepoints up to 72 h after blood was drawn. Sample stability was assessed by the graphical truncated normal sequential test. A parameter was considered stable, when its average change was smaller than one coefficient of variation CV (%) of the assessed method, allowing a 5% risk of error.

Results: Red blood cell counts, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and hemoglobin are least affected by storage temperature and showed stability for at least 48 h, depending on analyser utilized. While reticulocytes, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hematocrit and leukocyte counts were more stable at 4-8 degrees C, thrombocytes exhibited a better stability at RT. The white blood cell (WBC) subpopulations changed over time with a decrease in eosinophils and lymphocytes and an increase in neutrophils at 4-8 degrees C. Further, the stability pattern of WBC subpopulations was significantly different among the 3 investigated analysers with some analytes only displaying a stability of 4 h.

Conclusions: Analyte stability of hematological parameters varies not only according to the investigated parameter but also according to storage temperature and the employed measurement system. Depending on the analyte sample stability differences among the different analytical systems are considerable.