Optimization of the storage conditions for coagulation screening tests.

OBJECTIVE To determine the optimum storage temperature and time for prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time at various intervals at both room temperature and refrigerator. STUDY DESIGN Experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Laboratory at University Sains Malaysia (USM), from August 2009 to June 2010. METHODOLOGY After obtaining the consent, 33 blood samples were collected from AMDI staffs and students. Prothrombin time (PT) was measured at 0, 4, 8 and 24 hours (h). Partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was measured at 0, 2, 6 and 8 h both at room temperature (RT) and refrigerator. RESULTS Thirty three subjects (14 males and 19 females, aged from 20 to 40 years) were involved. PT showed no significant differences at RT at 4 h, while significant differences after 8 h and 24 h at RT and after 4 h, 8 h and 24 h at refrigerator were observed. APTT showed no statistically significant differences at 2 h but showed significant differences at 6 h, 8 h at both RT and refrigerator. CONCLUSION Samples for PT testing can be accepted only up to 4 h when kept at RT while the samples cannot be accepted when kept at refrigerator for 4 h and above. APTT samples can be accepted up to 2 h only at RT or refrigerator.