Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
10:22
High Speed Droplet-based Delivery System for Passive Pumping in Microfluidic Devices
Published on: September 2, 2009
A computer directed pneumatic tube system: its effects on specimens
Clinical Biochemistry
|December 1, 1980
Summary
Pneumatic tube transport in hospitals can slightly damage blood cells, leading to elevated lactic dehydrogenase activity. However, other key blood and urine analytes remain unaffected by this high-speed delivery system.
Area of Science:
- Clinical laboratory science
- Biomedical engineering
- Hospital logistics
Background:
- A new pneumatic tube system (Mosler System 4000) was installed at Erie County Medical Center.
- The system was designed for high-volume hospital transport (600 transactions/hour) with a high carrier speed (8m/sec).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of pneumatic tube transport on blood specimens.
- To assess the integrity of blood cells and specific serum analytes after transport.
Main Methods:
- Blood specimens were transported via the Mosler System 4000.
- Analyzed for blood cell damage and changes in lactic dehydrogenase, acidic phosphatase, potassium, blood gases, and urinary casts.
Main Results:
- Slight damage to blood cells was observed.
- Consistently elevated lactic dehydrogenase activity in serum was noted.
- Acidic phosphatase, potassium, blood gases, and urinary casts showed no significant changes.
Conclusions:
- High-speed pneumatic tube transport can affect certain blood analytes, specifically lactic dehydrogenase.
- The system's impact on other critical laboratory parameters is minimal, suggesting its suitability for transporting various specimens.
