Validation of the use of the i-STAT handheld to determine blood electrolytes and gas partial pressures, and hematocrit in whole blood samples from neonatal foals, calves and lambs

• Grant number: 12/00275-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): April 01, 2012
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Juliana Regina Peiró
• Grantee: Cássia Viviane Paulon
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMVA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Objectives: to compare values of blood electrolytes and gas partial pressures, and hematocrit (Hct) in venous whole blood samples from horses, cattle, and sheep between the i-STAT (portable clinical analyzer) and the AVL Omni (reference analyzer). Animals: foals, calves, and 22 lambs (n = 30, each), all clinically normal. Methods: Na, K, iCa, tCO2 concentrations, pH, PCO2, PO2, base excess, and Hct will be determined by use of the i-STAT PCA with disposable Eg7+ cartridges. Results will be compared with those obtained from the same blood samples, using the. Bias (mean difference methods) and variability (SD of differences) will be determined for all values. Data will be also subjected to Deming regression and Pearson correlation analyses. It is expected that data from blood gas and electrolyte analyses obtained with the i-STAT can be safely used to evaluate calves, lambs, and foals. This handheld device has a great advantage it allows the analysis of blood samples on farms far from urban centers.(AU)