PENGARUH WAKTU DAN SUHU PENYIMPANAN DARAH EDTA (ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID) TERHADAP JUMLAH DAN MORFOLOGI TROMBOSIT DI RSUD MELAWI

Platelet examination is an important hematological test that supports diagnosis, prognosis requiring proper sample handling. This study examined the effect of EDTA blood storage time and temperature on platelet count and morphology at RSUD Melawi. This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Laboratory of RSUD Kabupaten Melawi from January to February 2026 using 6 EDTA blood samples. Platelet count was measured using a hematology analyzer, while morphology was assessed through peripheral blood smears with Giemsa staining. Samples were examined immediately, after refrigerator storage at 4°C for 4 and 8 hours, and after room-temperature storage at 20°C for 4 and 8 hours. Data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk, Levene's, and Repeated Measures ANOVA tests. The mean platelet count for immediate examination was 301.17 thousand/µL, decreasing to 290.33 thousand/µL (4°C, 4 hours), 273.83 thousand/µL (4°C, 8 hours), 281.50 thousand/µL (room temperature, 4 hours), and 264.50 thousand/µL (room temperature, 8 hours). Platelet morphology remained normal under all storage conditions. Repeated Measures ANOVA showed F = 27.597, p < 0.001, and Partial Eta Squared = 0.847, indicating a significant effect on platelet count but not morphology. Storage at 4°C was more stable than at room temperature and is recommended when immediate examination is not possible.