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Published on: October 3, 2016
[Transport of blood gas samples: is the pneumatic tube system safe?]
1Klinik für Anaesthesiologie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität, München.
Background:
Transport of blood gas samples via a pneumatic tube system and subsequent analysis in the central laboratory can reduce costs and errors compared to on-site testing in the operating theatre or the intensive care unit. In this study, a modern pneumatic tube transport system was tested for its usability for this purpose.
Methods:
A total of 4 consecutive blood gas samples were obtained intraoperatively from 54 different patients and sent to the central laboratory. Of these, 3 samples were transferred using the pneumatic tube system but by different methods and 1 sample was transported personally which served as a reference. The results of sample analysis concerning blood gases, electrolytes and haemoglobin were compared and examined for differences.
Results:
No statistically significant differences could be determined between the different modes of transportation.
Conclusion:
Transport of samples for blood gas analysis via a modern pneumatic tube system is safe when samples are correctly prepared.
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