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The Effects of Sample Transport by Pneumatic Tube System on Routine Hematology and Coagulation Tests
Devi Subbarayan1, Chidambharam Choccalingam1, Chittode Kodumudi Anantha Lakshmi1
1Department of Pathology, Chettinad Health City and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Advances in Hematology
|August 7, 2018
Summary
Pneumatic tube systems (PTS) safely transport blood samples for complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation tests. While minor changes in red blood cell indices and platelet count were observed, they were not clinically significant.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Pathology
- Laboratory Medicine
- Healthcare Automation
Background:
- Pneumatic tube systems (PTS) automate hospital specimen transport to enhance efficiency.
- The impact of PTS on complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation testing remains debated.
- Evaluating PTS transport effects is crucial for maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the influence of PTS transport on CBC and coagulation parameters.
- To compare PTS-transported samples with hand-delivered samples.
- To determine the clinical significance of PTS-induced sample variations.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 75 paired CBC samples and 25 paired coagulation samples.
- Samples were transported via PTS and compared with hand-delivered controls.
- Analysis focused on key CBC indices (MCV, RDW, MCHC, WBC) and coagulation tests (PT, APTT).
Main Results:
- PTS transport caused statistically significant, yet clinically insignificant, changes in MCV, RDW, MCHC, and platelet count.
- No significant differences were found in White Blood Cell (WBC) parameters.
- Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) showed no significant alteration due to PTS transport.
Conclusions:
- Blood samples for CBC and coagulation assays can be reliably transported using the hospital's PTS.
- Observed changes in RBC parameters and platelet counts are statistically significant but clinically insignificant.
- Further research into platelet count variations is recommended for definitive transport validation.
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