Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
06:53
Detection and Monitoring of Tumor Associated Circulating DNA in Patient Biofluids
Published on: June 8, 2019
Right or wrong sample received for coagulation testing? Tentative algorithms for detection of an incorrect type of
G Lippi1, G L Salvagno, D M Adcock
1Sezione di Chimica Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze Morfologico-Biomediche, Università di Verona, and Ospedale Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Verona, Italy.
International Journal of Laboratory Hematology
|February 18, 2009
Summary
Detecting inappropriate blood collection for coagulation tests is crucial. This study developed simple electrolyte assays to quickly identify incorrect sample types, improving pre-analytical testing accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Laboratory Medicine
- Pre-analytical Variables
Background:
- Inappropriate blood collection is a major pre-analytical issue in coagulation testing.
- Detecting compromised samples, especially secondary aliquots, is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, rapid, and cost-effective method for laboratories to identify inappropriate blood sample types.
- To differentiate between serum, citrated plasma, EDTA plasma, and lithium-heparin plasma.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed electrolytes (potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, sodium) in samples from 15 patients across four primary tube types.
- Evaluated electrolyte concentration differences to identify unique sample characteristics.
Main Results:
- Citrated plasma showed decreased potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium, with increased sodium compared to serum/lithium-heparin.
- EDTA plasma exhibited decreased sodium and chloride, very low magnesium/calcium, and potassium >14 mmol/l.
- Developed two algorithms (potassium, calcium, sodium; or potassium, sodium) for 100% accurate citrated plasma identification.
Conclusions:
- Simple electrolyte assays can effectively supplement coagulation testing.
- These methods enhance the ability to identify and reject inappropriately collected blood samples, improving pre-analytical phase quality.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Blood Typing
Understanding an individual's blood group is a critical component of transfusion medicine. It ensures compatibility in blood transfusions, organ transplants, and even during pregnancy. Determining these blood groups involves the ABO and Rh blood typing systems, utilizing specific antigens and corresponding anti-sera to identify an individual's blood type.
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target antigens A,...
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target antigens A,...
01:15Systematic Error: Methodological and Sampling Errors
In the case of systematic errors, the sources can be identified, and the errors can be subsequently minimized by addressing these sources. According to the source, systematic errors can be divided into sampling, instrumental, methodological, and personal errors.
Sampling errors originate from improper sampling methods or the wrong sample population. These errors can be minimized by refining the sampling strategy. Defective instruments or faulty calibrations are the sources of instrumental...
Sampling errors originate from improper sampling methods or the wrong sample population. These errors can be minimized by refining the sampling strategy. Defective instruments or faulty calibrations are the sources of instrumental...
01:16Contaminants and Errors
Effective sample preparation is crucial for accurate and reliable laboratory analysis. During this process, two significant sources of error can arise: concentration bias from improper sample splitting and contamination caused by methods used to reduce particle size, such as grinding or homogenization. Identifying and minimizing these potential errors is crucial to ensuring the validity of the analysis.
Another key consideration is determining the appropriate number of samples required to...
Another key consideration is determining the appropriate number of samples required to...
01:14Errors In Hypothesis Tests
When performing a hypothesis test, there are four possible outcomes depending on the actual truth (or falseness) of the null hypothesis and the decision to reject or not.
01:11Types of Hypothesis Testing
There are three types of hypothesis tests: right-tailed, left-tailed, and two-tailed.
When the null and alternative hypotheses are stated, it is observed that the null hypothesis is a neutral statement against which the alternative hypothesis is tested. The alternative hypothesis is a claim that instead has a certain direction. If the null hypothesis claims that p = 0.5, the alternative hypothesis would be an opposing statement to this and can be put either p > 0.5, p < 0.5, or p ≠ 0.5.
When the null and alternative hypotheses are stated, it is observed that the null hypothesis is a neutral statement against which the alternative hypothesis is tested. The alternative hypothesis is a claim that instead has a certain direction. If the null hypothesis claims that p = 0.5, the alternative hypothesis would be an opposing statement to this and can be put either p > 0.5, p < 0.5, or p ≠ 0.5.
02:45Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
Blood transfusion is a therapeutic measure to restore the blood volume after extensive blood loss due to an accident or a medical procedure. Blood transfusion involves drawing a certain amount of blood from a suitable donor and infusing it into the recipient.
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...