Stability of complete blood count in different storage conditions using the ABX PENTRA 60 analyzer.

INTRODUCTION: Sample stability is essential to obtain reliable results in the clinical laboratory. This study was conducted to investigate the reliability of hematological parameters using ABX Pentra 60 in samples stored for up to 72 hours at different temperatures. METHODS: A total of 651 blood samples were analyzed at different analysis times: 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours and forms and storage: room temperature (25°C) and at 4°C. The imprecision of the results was evaluated by the analytical coefficient of variation (CVa%) obtained by the typical error (TE) and Kruskal-Wallis analysis, to compare the averages. The reliability of the results was evaluated by the CVa (%) within the maximum allowable analytical variation and by the difference of means of the results in relation to the baseline sample (2 hours). RESULTS: Red blood count, hemoglobin, and MCH parameters showed stability up to 72 hours at room temperature and at 4°C. The other complete blood count parameters showed imprecision results emitted by the ABX Pentra 60 from 24 hours of sample storage, independent of the storage temperature. In addition, there were significant oscillations in the mean values, particularly for the samples stored at room temperature, with the exception of platelet parameters that exhibited mean changes also at 4°C. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the importance of the clinical analyst's knowledge about the behavior of the CBC parameters over time under different storage conditions, and mainly the imprecision of the hematological equipment used, for the suitable interpretation of the results.

Biomarkers in Obesity: Serum Myeloperoxidase and Traditional Cardiac Risk Parameters.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low-grade inflammation, combined with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, is common in obesity, providing systemic inflammation that is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Studies have shown serum mieloperoxidase as a potential biomarker and its clinical applicability for evaluating cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to evaluate the MPO in obese individuals, with or without systemic inflammation and potential cardiovascular risk, as well as correlating MPO with some classic cardiovascular risk parameters. METHODS: Inflammatory and cardiovascular risk markers, as well as different biochemical and hematological laboratory parameters, were analyzed. The volunteers were divided into 3 groups according to the presence (hs-CRP>3 mg/L) or absence (hs-CRP<3 mg/L) of systemic inflammation and possible cardiovascular risk. RESULTS: MPO was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the obese individuals with systemic inflammation. A significant increase (p<0.05) in the following biochemical parameters: glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, non-HDL, TG/HDL was observed, and a significant decrease (p<0.01) in HDL was observed. Significant increases in the counts of total leukocytes, neutrophils and monocytes (p<0.01), as well as elevated blood pressure (p<0.05), were observed in the group of obese individuals with systemic inflammation. Serum MPO levels were correlated with classic proinflammatory and cardiovascular risk parameters. CONCLUSIONS: High serum levels of MPO were observed in obese individuals with hs-CRP above 3 mg/L, which is a classic biomarker for inflammation and cardiovascular risk, suggesting the potential role of MPO in clinical applicability for cardiovascular disease in this population. However, considering that inflammation in obesity appears to manifest as a non-classical mechanism, further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of MPO in cardiovascular events in the population with obesity.