23
Lipemia
Visual:
Sample has a pale, milky appearance, possibly with floating fat globules.
Indications:
Recent ingestion of a fatty meal or dysfunction in lipid metabolism.
Sample Storage
We recommend that you prepare and analyze samples immediately after collection for best results.
However, if storage is necessary, follow these sample storage and testing guidelines.
Storing Serum/Plasma
For storage, the serum or plasma must be separated and removed immediately from the blood
cells. Do not attempt to pour off the sample.
• Using a transfer pipette, carefully transfer the serum or plasma to an untreated collection
tube, taking care not to draw up any white or red blood cells.
• Cap the tube tightly to avoid contamination and evaporation. Avoid frothing at any stage as
this damages the serum proteins.
If you cannot perform analysis within 4 hours of drawing and processing the sample, refrigerate it at
2°C–8°C (36°F–46°F). If you cannot perform analysis for more than 48 hours, you should freeze the
serum/plasma at -18°C (0°F).
Notes:
• For additional information on the effects of delays in removing serum or plasma from the
cells, see the “Chemistry Descriptions” section on pages 30–51.
• See the calcium (Ca), total bilirubin (TBIL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ammonia (NH
3
),
electrolytes (Na, K, Cl), and glucose (GLU) chemistry descriptions for additional special
handling and storage requirements.
• IDEXX does not recommend freezing samples that will be used to run electrolytes.
Storing Whole Blood
Lithium heparinized whole blood samples should be analyzed immediately. Samples that are not
analyzed within 30 minutes should be placed in a tube to be separated and stored.
Important:
Do not store whole blood samples in whole blood separators.
Storing Urine
Urine should be tested within 2 hours. Do not store urine in the refrigerator for more than
24 hours.
Analysis of Stored Samples
For samples stored at 2°C–8°C (36°F–46°F) and at -18°C (0°F):
• Allow the samples to come to room temperature (19°C–27°C/66°F–81°F).
• Mix the samples gently, but thoroughly, by inversion. Do not shake.
• Centrifuge the samples to remove any fibrin particles (or urine sediment) that may have
formed during storage.
• Analyze the samples immediately after centrifugation.
Sample Preparation and Storage
