Hematological Parameters on Llamas Blood Samples: Reliability Across a Range of Storage Times

Background: Llamas are becoming increasingly popular as livestock and as companion animals and their blood samples may require transportation over long distances and storage for extended periods prior to hematological analyses. Hematological parameters are influenced by a range of factors, including age, sex, diet and environment. Examining how these parameters change over time in stored blood samples can provide insights into the natural variation of these parameters in llamas, which can inform future research on the health and biology of these animals. This study sought to evaluate the stability of hematological markers at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 and 42 hours of storage in blood samples of llamas (Lama glama) stored at 4°C. Methods: The study was conducted on blood from eight clinically healthy llamas captivated at Sarajevo Zoo-Pionirska dolina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The effect of storage was observed on the following hematological parameters: Red Blood Cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Reticulocyte count (RETIC), White Blood Cell (WBC). White blood cell differentiation, absolute white blood cell counts, platelet count (PLT) and mean platelet volume (MPV) are also included. Result: During 42 hours of storage at 4°C, it was discovered that red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, mean cell hemoglobin and reticulocyte, as well as the differentiation of white blood cells and measurement of their absolute values, remained stable. However, hematocrit increased at 12 h, while mean cell hemoglobin concentration decreased at 12 h when stored at 4°C.