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Skin plugs in phlebotomy puncture for blood donation
Christoph Buchta1, Nora Nedorost, Heinz Regele
1Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. christoph.buchta@meduniwien.ac.at
Abstract:
Contamination at the site of the donor's skin may occur despite proper disinfection, because pathogens in deeper regions (such as pores) may not be eliminated by skin disinfection. It is suspected that the cannula detaches fragments of tissue when it penetrates the skin; the tissue fragments may reach blood products and release pathogens there. In the present study we punctured piglet skin with cannulas commonly used for blood donation and performed histological as well as cytological investigations of the lavage fluid in the cannula to identify superficial skin cells and skin plugs. Histological specimens of the pierced skin showed frayed puncture sites with loosely attached tissue fragments. In the lavage fluid of the cannula, a collection of epidermal cells was found in one of 150 punctures. Our results confirm that the phlebotomy cannula may cause superficial tissue fragments to be punched out of the donor's skin during blood donation. This fact should be taken into account when devising methods to reduce bacterial contamination in blood products.
Insights
Blood donation cannulas may detach skin fragments during skin puncture, potentially contaminating blood products. This finding highlights the need for improved methods to prevent bacterial contamination in transfusions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Skin disinfection may not eliminate pathogens in deeper skin layers like pores.
- Tissue fragments detached by cannulas could contaminate blood products with pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if phlebotomy cannulas detach skin tissue fragments during blood donation.
- To assess the potential for skin contamination of blood products.
Main Methods:
- Piglet skin was punctured using standard blood donation cannulas.
- Histological and cytological analysis of cannula lavage fluid was performed.
- Examination of pierced skin for tissue detachment.
Main Results:
- Histological examination revealed frayed puncture sites with loose tissue fragments.
- Epidermal cells, indicative of skin detachment, were found in one of 150 cannula lavage samples.
- Phlebotomy cannulas can cause superficial tissue fragments to be dislodged.
Conclusions:
- Phlebotomy cannulas can dislodge superficial skin tissue during blood donation.
- Detached skin fragments pose a risk for bacterial contamination of blood products.
- Consideration of tissue detachment is crucial for developing strategies to minimize blood product contamination.
