Assessment of Platelet Function in Whole Blood by Multiple Electrode Aggregometry: Transport of Samples Using a Pneumatic Tube System

Sample transport by pneumatic tube system alters results of multiple electrode aggregometry but not rotational thromboelastometry

“…This might lead to misinterpretation of the ASPI test and emulate acetylsalicylic acid responsiveness. Our observations for MEA disagree with those reported by Braun et al [27], who investigated patients scheduled for coronary angiography after being given 600 mg of clopidogrel at least 2 hours before the procedure. Platelet function was monitored by Multiplate (ADP test) after PTS transport or delivery by hand.…”

“…The sample sizes (MEA n ¼ 12, ROTEM n ¼ 6) were, of course, small but a preceding power analysis required a group size of 10 for MEA. When evaluating ROTEM parameters in this setting, we followed recommendations in the literature for comparing manual with pneumatic delivery [27,28].…”

“…Recent studies have not revealed any preanalytical errors in routine haematology and coagulation parameters when specimens are transported by modern PTS [22][23][24]. However, discussion of how high speeds, vibration, sudden acceleration and deceleration forces, as well as tubes moving within the cartridge during pneumatic tube transport, may affect thromboelastographic/metric results and platelet function is inconsistent and recommendations are heterologous [22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. As point-of-care (POC) coagulation testing decisively influences bleeding management strategies and thus transfusion of clotting factors and allergenic blood products (in particular fresh frozen plasma and platelet concentrates), the aim of our study was to test the validity of MEA and ROTEM results after pneumatic tube transport while implementing perioperative POC coagulation monitoring at the Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany.…”

Platelet concentrate transport in pneumatic tube systems – does it work?

“…Several authors demonstrated a low variability of the MEA and PFA‐100 results in whole blood samples independent on PTS transport [8,9]. Whereas others found significant differences in the platelet function analysis (MEA, PFA‐100 and LTA) [10,11].…”

Preanalytical Errors Introduced by Sample-Transportation Systems: A Means to Assess Them

“…While in transit in pneumatic tubes, samples are subjected to roller coaster-type rapid accelerations during "takeoff," radial gravitational forces when turning sharp corners, and sudden decelerations when arriving at their destination. These harsh physical forces have long been thought to contribute to preanalytical errors, owing to stress to or even rupture of plasma membranes of erythrocytes and lymphocytes (3)(4)(5)(6). Although these previous studies have demonstrated aberrant analytical results due to pneumatic transportation, they have not measured causative factors directly.…”