Hematology [LA_HEM_002]

Purpose

Hematological assessment of blood determines blood cell counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets) and additional hematological parameters (hematocrit, mean cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration) can be derived using these indices. These tests will indicate abnormalities in the production of blood and its components (blood cells and hemoglobin) as well as in the associated blood-forming organs.

Experimental Design

• Age at test: Week 56
• Sex: Both

Equipment

1. Hematology automated analyzers
2. Rotary agitator

Procedure

Set up the hematological analyser and perform QC analyses of the control reagents in accordance with the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Sample collection and preparation:

1. Collect the appropriate volume of blood required for the hematology analyser being used for assessment (~200µl), in an EDTA coated tube with the relevant blood collection procedure (see IMPC protocol Blood collection by retro-orbital puncture). The time of day for collection is in the morning, starting no earlier than 07:30.
2. Mix the blood sample and keep it at room temperature (for no more than 2 hours) pending analysis. Samples must not be frozen at this stage.
3. Analysis of samples is optimally done on the day of collection. When not possible the blood samples can be stored at 2-8℃ for up to 24 hours. Long term storage of whole blood is not recommended. All samples are allowed to come to room temperature prior to analysis.

Analysis:

1. Perform hematological assessment of each sample including: white and red blood cell counts, hemoglobin and platelets in accordance with the analyser being used.
2. Derive additional parameters for the sample that may be estimated from the initial assessment such as: hematocrit, mean cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean cell hemoglobin concentration.

Notes

Blood collection for Clinical Chemistry and Hematology is usually performed as a non-fasting, terminal procedure but can be performed as a non-terminal procedure under certain circumstances. Mice from the terminal procedure may be used for subsequent gross pathology and other procedures included in terminal assessments. Whole blood (for Hematology) and plasma (for Clinical Chemistry) require different collection tubes so two independent samples are required from each mouse. Dilution of blood is highly discouraged, but is allowed when the total necessary amount is not obtained. If dilution is necessary then the assays should be done in one run.

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