Equine leukocyte storage artifacts

EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples were collected from 13 horses to evaluate the effect of storage on automated and manual leukocyte counts and on the development of morphological changes in leukocytes in equine blood stored at multiple temperatures for five days. The samples were stored in the refrigerator (4°C), cooler with icepacks (3 - 19°C), room temperature (22°C), and incubator (37°C). Automated leukocyte counts were conducted using an ADVIA 120 at intervals of 0, 8, 24, 48, and 120 hours. Manual analyses were performed on blood smears prepared at 0, 2, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 120 hours.