Pneumatic tube validation: Reducing the need for donor samples by integrating a vial-embedded data logger

Abstract

Background: The most common way to validate a pneumatic tube system (PTS) is to compare PTS transported blood samples to blood samples carried by hand. The importance of also measuring the forces inside the PTS has been emphasized. The aim of this study was to define a validation protocol using a mini data logger (VitalVial, Motryx Inc., Canada) to reduce the need for donor samples in PTS validation. Methods: As an indicator of the total vibration the blood samples are exposed to under PTS transportation, the area under the curve (AUC) was determined by a VitalVial for all hospital Tempus600 lines using a five-day validation protocol. Only the three lines with the highest AUC were clinically validated by analyzing potassium, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). A month after PTS commissioning, a follow-up on laboratory data was performed. Results: Mean AUC of the six lines ranged between 347 and 581. The variability of the AUC was between 1.51-11.55%. In the laboratory data follow-up, an increase in LDH hemolysis was seen from the three lines with the highest AUC and the emergency department which was not detected in the clinical validation. When the Tempus600 system was in commission, a higher mean AUC was measured. Conclusion: A three-day validation protocol using VitalVials is enough to determine the stability of a Tempus600 system and can greatly reduce the need for donor samples. When in commission, the stability of the PTS should be verificated and LDH hemolysis should be routinely checked.

Triple apheresis platelet concentrate quality after pneumatic tube system, conveyor box, and courier transport: An observational study

“… 33 Before transporting apheresis platelet concentrates via the PTS, acceleration forces should be measured at each facility and validation using a quality threshold should be performed. 9 , 19 , 34 An appropriate study design for this is provided by Garcia et al 35 or by Stangerup et al 36 who performed a 5‐day validation using mini data logger.…”