Hematologic evaluation of normal and anemic lambs with the Technicon H*1 using EDTA or heparin as anticoagulants.

A study was performed to evaluate blood from young lambs using the Technicon H*1 hematology analyzer, with emphasis on RBC parameters, comparison of tripotassium EDTA and heparin, and the effects of storage on heparinized blood. Blood samples from lambs 2 days to 18 weeks of age were analyzed within 6 hours, revealing a high precision, except for WBC counts in heparinized blood. The HCT values estimated by the H*1 correlated well (r(2)=.90) with those obtained by the microhemotocrit method. Mean hematologic values obtained for heparinized blood differed by up to 4% from values obtained from blood collected into EDTA. WBC counts decreased 8.5% in heparinized blood stored at 4 degrees C for 1 day, but differences observed in RBC counts were </= 2%. Problems occurred when analyzing blood from young lambs with low hemoglobin values because the H*1 incorrectly counted microcytes with volumes of < 10 fL as platelets. When the necessary corrections were performed, the H*1 was useful for analyzing RBC parameters in lamb blood collected both into EDTA and into heparin.