Effects of storage of blood on stability of hematologic parameters.

The hematologic parameters of blood stored at 4 degrees C and at room temperature were studied. In blood stored at 4 degrees C with intermittent mixing, leukocyte count, hemoglobin, erythrocyte count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet count showed no statistically significant change for three days. Blood stored at room temperature showed a significant increase in MCV in 24 hours, and corresponding changes occurred in hematocrit and MCHC. It is concluded from these observations that blood from normal healthy donors can serve as an adequate control for the Coulter Counter for three days if kept at 4 degrees C and mixed intermittently.