Background: The effect of storage temperature and time on blood gas and acid-base values has been investigated intensively in cattle and dogs; however, data are lacking in other species.
Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate changes in gas composition and acid-base values in venous blood stored at different temperatures and for different times in 4 domestic species in Italy.
Methods: Blood samples from Comisana sheep (n = 10), Maltese goats (n = 10), Ragusana donkeys (n = 10), and Thoroughbred horses (n = 10) were analyzed after storage at 23 degrees C (room temperature) for 15 minutes (group I), 23 degrees C for 1 hour (group II), 37 degrees C for 8 hours (group III), and 4 degrees C for 24 hours (group IV). Results were analyzed using a 1-way repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: In all species no statistically significant differences in pH values were present in samples stored at 4 degrees C for 24 hours. This also was true for PCO2 in all species except the horse. Except for HCO3- concentration in the horse, significant changes in PO2, HCO3- concentration, base excess, and the standard bicarbonate concentration were observed for all species in samples stored at 4 degrees C. In samples stored for only 1 hour at room temperature, significant changes in most analytes were detected.
Conclusions: The results of this study underline the need for rapid assessment of acid-base samples, because any delay, even for 1 hour, may affect the results.