Lymphocytes are key players in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and a distinct target of several immunomodulatory treatment strategies. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of various pre-analytic conditions on immune cell counts to conclude the relevance for clinical implications. Twenty healthy donors were assessed for the effects of distinct storage temperatures and times after blood draws, different durations of tourniquet application, body positions and varying aspiration forces during blood draws. Immune cell frequencies were analyzed using multicolor flowcytometry. While storage for 24 h at 37 °C after blood draws was associated with significantly lower cell counts, different durations of tourniquet application, body positions and varying aspirations speeds did not have significant impacts on the immune cell counts. Our data suggest that immune cell counts are differently affected by pre-analytic conditions being more sensitive to storage temperature. Pre-analytic conditions should be carefully considered when interpreting the laboratory values of immune cell subpopulations.
Keywords: autoimmune diseases; flowcytometry; lymphocytes; pre-analytic conditions; storage temperature; storage time.