Effect of dipotassium‐ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or lithium‐heparin treatments and storage times on selected clinicopathologic analytes in equine synovial fluid

• Published in: Veterinary clinical pathology 2023-12, Vol.52 (4), p.638-645
• Main Authors: Okolo, Chukwuemeka C., Emejuo, Nnenna T., Udeagbala, Ndidiamaka G., Emeto, Uzochukwu E., Ezema, Arinzechukwu S., Omeje, Okonkwo V., Nweze, Nwakaego E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: alkaline posphatase; Animals; Anticoagulants; Anticoagulants - pharmacology; Anticoagulants - therapeutic use; Edetic Acid - pharmacology; Heparin - pharmacology; Heparin - therapeutic use; horse; Horses; joint; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Lithium; Lithium - therapeutic use; Synovial Fluid; total protein
• ISSN: 0275-6382; 1939-165X
• DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13287

Background Sample processing methods and storage time affect the outcome of biochemical analysis. Objectives We aimed to assess the effects of dipotassium‐ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K2‐EDTA) and lithium‐heparin treatments and storage times on selected analytes in equine synovial fluid (SF). Methods Approximately 2 mL of SF from each horse (n = 7) were collected via femoropatellar joint arthrocentesis into K2‐EDTA‐treated bottles (K2‐EDTA group), lithium‐heparin‐treated bottles (heparin group), and plain bottles (control group). The pH was determined using an electronic bench pH meter. The total nucleated cell count (TNCC) of samples was determined by hemocytometer method, while total protein (TP) concentrations, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities of the samples were determined spectrophotometrically at 2, 8, 24, 48, and 168 hours postcollection while being maintained at approximately 4°C. Results TP concentrations in the anticoagulant‐treated groups remained stable for 48 hours. TNCCs were stable for 8 hours. However, after 2 hours, ALP, LDH, and pH varied significantly (P