Evaluation of the i-STAT (portable clinical analyser) for measuring haematological parameters in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) at different CO and temperature conditions.

Portable clinical analysers are gradually being involved in on-site assessment of haematic parameters in fish. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the i-STAT portable clinical analyser (i-STAT PCA) for accuracy and reliability of measuring blood pH, partial pressure of oxygen (pO), haematocrit, haemoglobin, sodium, potassium and calcium in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Haematological parameters detected with the i-STAT PCA were compared with conventional laboratory techniques (CLTs). Two types of disposable cartridges were used (CHEM8+ and CG4+) with the i-STAT PCA, and experiments were performed at two different temperature regimes (5 °C and 15 °C) and four different carbon dioxide (CO) levels (0%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1%). All blood parameters measured with the i-STAT PCA showed heterogeneous inaccuracy under the tested conditions, but the highest discrepancies were registered in blood pO. The i-STAT PCA systematically overestimated the pO measurements. Our research suggests that i-STAT PCA is not an appropriate tool for pO measurements especially in coldwater fish species. The i-STAT PCA consistently underestimated the pH and haematocrit values especially at a lower temperature, although those parameters indicate significant high correlation at 15 °C. Furthermore, the analysed ions showed overestimation of sodium and underestimation of potassium and calcium.