Serum bicarbonate declines with sample size in vacutainer tubes.

Author(s): Herr RD, Swanson T

Publication: Am J Clin Pathol, 1992, Vol. 97, Page 213-6

PubMed ID: 1546690 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of tube fill volume, vacutainer size, aspiration into a syringe versus directly into a vacutainer, and delaying analysis by up to 40 minutes on serum bicarbonate levels.

   Summary of Findings:

   There were no differences in bicarbonate levels between specimens aspirated into a syringe and injected into a vacutainer and those aspirated directly into a vacutainer. Further, regardless of vacutainer size, delays of up to 40 minutes before analysis had no effects on serum bicarbonate levels when compared to specimens analyzed immediately after clot formation (10 min after collection). Decreasing fill volumes significantly decreased serum bicarbonate levels for both sizes of vacutainer tubes, regardless of any delays before analysis.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Serum
   • Bodily Fluid - Blood

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Normal

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Small molecule	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Aliquot size/volume	0.5 mL 1 mL 3 mL 6 mL 9.5 mL
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Type of collection container/solution	10 mL vacutainer 3 mL vacutainer
   Storage	Time at room temperature	10 min 20 min 30 min 40 min
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Method of fluid acquisition	Syringe draw Vacuum tube

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