Effect of Pneumatic Tube Delivery System Rate and Distance on Hemolysis of Blood Specimens

Abstract

The rate of hemolysis in PTS transported samples, dependent on PTS length and rate, may seriously affect routine tests of non-centrifuged samples.

The pneumatic tube system does not affect complete blood count results; a validation study at a tertiary care hospital

“…The system currently installed at the SQUH runs at the optimum transportation rate recommended to avoid the risk of hemolysis [10] and is supported by an auto-unloading system that decreases the risk of sample damage upon arrival to its destination. We have undertaken this study to confirm that Few studies have investigated the effects of a PTS on hematology parameters [1,2,8,12], including these that looked at the ADVIA 2120 [2], Coulter Gen-S [1], and Sysmex XE-2100 systems [13]. One study examined few CBC parameters, but importantly showed that the rate and distance of transportation do not affect CBC results [8].…”

“…Few studies have investigated the effects of a PTS on hematology parameters , including these that looked at the ADVIA 2120 , Coulter Gen‐S , and Sysmex XE‐2100 systems . One study examined few CBC parameters, but importantly showed that the rate and distance of transportation do not affect CBC results . A recent study showed no statistical differences for routine hematology testing, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and reticulocyte count between the PTS and CO method .…”

“…It allows rapid and cost-effective transportation of patients' samples to the laboratory [1]. However, during transportation, samples are often subjected to high speeds and rapid acceleration and deceleration [2], which has been shown to alter sample quality by introducing changes in lactate dehydrogenase concentrations, invitro platelet dysfunction, and sample hemolysis [3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

Does Pneumatic Tube System Transport Contribute to Hemolysis in ED Blood Samples?

“…Their characteristics (e.g., delivery route, velocity) appear to affect sample pressures during transport, which might influence hemolysis rates. Variables that have been shown to cause cell deterioration and increase hemolysis include rapid accelerations and decelerations,17,18 increased length of travel, and high speeds 13,18. Other variables that reduce hemolysis during transport include the use of gel tubes,19 properly filled tubes,16 and padded inserts within the canisters 12…”

Effect of pneumatic tube transport on T lymphocyte subsets analysis

“…However, this transport method may affect the quality of the samples (pre-analytical step), and thus may have an impact on laboratory results. This mostly depends on PTS technical characteristics, such as length and strong acceleration/deceleration processes (4,5).…”