As a pet owner or veterinarian, understanding the nuances of diagnostic procedures for our beloved canines is crucial for accurate disease diagnosis and treatment. A recent study published in Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen, offers crucial insights into the collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in dogs. This study has unfolded findings that may affect the conventional practice of collecting and analyzing CSF.
The study titled, “Collection of cerebrospinal fluid into EDTA versus plain tubes does not affect the standard analysis in dogs” was published on May 6, 2019, and carries DOI 10.1186/s13028-019-0457-1.
Background
The collection of CSF in veterinary medicine is a standard procedure for diagnosing central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The fluid is typically collected in either tubes containing the anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or in plain tubes with no additives. EDTA is often presumed to be better at preserving cell morphology, but some reports suggest it may influence total protein concentration and dilute the sample, leading to potentially misleading diagnostic conclusions. Despite these concerns, there has been a lack of validated studies to support this view.
Study Overview
The research led by Bodil Cathrine Koch, et al., aimed to validate whether the use of EDTA tubes versus plain tubes had any significant impact on the results of routine CSF analysis, which includes the assessment of protein concentrations and cell counts.
Key Findings and Methodology
The study involved 32 paired CSF samples from dogs, which were collected simultaneously into both EDTA-stabilized and plain plastic tubes. These samples underwent comparative analysis to determine if there were any statistical differences in semi-quantitative protein concentration, total nucleated cell count, differential cell counts, and cell morphology preservation between the two types of collection tubes.
After meticulous analysis, the study found no statistically significant discrepancies in any of the parameters mentioned above. The implications of these findings are significant as they suggest that veterinarians have more flexibility in their choice of CSF collection tubes without risking the integrity of the standard analysis.
Keywords
1. Cerebrospinal Fluid Collection
2. EDTA Tubes in Veterinary
3. CSF Analysis in Dogs
4. Canine CNS Diagnostics
5. CSF Sample Preservation
Implications for Veterinary Diagnostics
The study’s outcomes indicate that the choice between EDTA and plain tubes for CSF collection does not compromise the standard diagnostic procedure outcomes in dogs. This finding is reassuring for both practitioners and researchers who require reliable methods to diagnose CNS diseases.
References
1. Bohn et al., “Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of neurologic disease in dogs: a retrospective study.” Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 2006, DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-165X.2006.tb00138.x.
2. Di Terlizzi and Platt, “The function, composition and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in companion animals: part II—analysis.” Veterinary Journal, 2009, DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.11.024.
3. Fry et al., “Effects of time, initial composition and stabilizing agents on the results of canine cerebrospinal fluid analysis.” Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 2006, DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-165X.2006.tb00090.x.
4. Steele et al., “Leukocyte survival in cerebrospinal fluid.” Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 1986, PMID 3711287.
5. Tipold, “Diagnosis of inflammatory and infectious diseases of the central nervous system in dogs: a retrospective study.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 1995, DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.1995.tb01089.x.
Conclusion
The research conducted by Koch and her team has challenged a common belief in veterinary medicine regarding the CSF collection process. Their pivotal research underscores the importance of evidence-based practices and the need for continuous validation of veterinary diagnostic procedures. By eliminating concerns about the impact of EDTA on CSF sample analysis, the study paves the way for veterinarians to make more informed decisions about sample collection techniques for the benefit of canine health.
The finding that EDTA does not affect the integrity of standard CSF analysis is a boon to veterinary medicine and emphasizes the importance of questioning and validating every step of diagnostic processes. As a result, our canine companions can continue to receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for neurological conditions, and veterinarians can execute their duties with the confidence that comes from sound scientific evidence.