Effect of Centrifuge Temperature on Routine Coagulation Tests

Background: This study investigated the effects of cooled and standard centrifuges on the results of coagulation tests to examine the effects of centrifugation temperature. Methods: Equal-volume blood samples from each patient were collected at the same time intervals and subjected to standard (25 degrees C) and cooled centrifugation (2-4 degrees C). Subsequently, the prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, and D-dimer values were determined in runs with the same lot numbers in the same coagulation device using the Dia-PT R (PT and INR), Dia-PTT-liquid (aPTT), Dia-FIB (fibrinogen), and Dia-D-dimer kits, respectively. Results: The study enrolled 771 participants. The PT was significantly (p < 0.018) higher in participants on anticoagulant therapy. The respective median values of the test parameters determined using the standard and cooled centrifuges were as follows: PT 10.30 versus 10.50 s; PT (INR) 1.04 versus 1.09 s; APTT 28.90 versus 29.40 s; fibrinogen 321.5 versus 322.1 mg/dL; and D-dimer 179.5 versus 168.7 mu g FEU/mL. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in the parameters between the values obtained with the standard and cooled centrifuges. Conclusions: Centrifuge temperature can have a significant effect on the results of coagulation tests. However, broad and specific disease-based studies are needed. (C) 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel