Assessing the analytical reliability of platelet counts and related indices in dogs and cats: a correlation matrix analysis comparing K2-EDTA and MgSO4 anticoagulation

Abstract The standard anticoagulant, ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), often produces inaccurate platelet results (platelet count (PLT), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) in dog and cat blood due to its tendency to induce aggregation. This research, therefore, proposes magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) as the superior alternative because it actively prevents this clumping. The research examined blood samples from 31 feline and 32 canine individuals, totaling 122 blood tubes. Two types of tubes were used: k2-EDTA and MgSO4. Clinically healthy dogs and cats were used to obtain the samples, and PLT levels and related indices, such as MPV, PCT, and PDW, were measured using the Celltac α VET MEK-6550 hematology analyzer. In dogs, platelet parameters in MgSO4 and EDTA showed strong agreement ( r ≥ 0.90 for MPV, PLT, PCT, and PDW), with stability in MPV but a decrease in mean PCT in MgSO4 (0.30 vs. 0.56 in K2-EDTA). Feline results confirmed a strong correlation between PLT and PCT ( r = 0.99), but analytical agreement between K2-EDTA and MgSO4 was poor for MPV ( r = -0.11) and PDW ( r = 0.21). MgSO4 is effective as a replacement for K2-EDTA in dogs. MgSO4 in cats is critical because it helps prevent platelet clumping, thereby maintaining normal PLT and PCT levels. The beneficial compound in feline blood analysis requires caution in use. There are no favorable MgSO4 values for K2-EDTA with respect to the size parameters MPV and PDW. It suggests such parameters are not consistently accurate, irrespective of the anticoagulant used.