Observational study to determine factors associated with blood sample haemolysis in the emergency department.
Author(s): Ong ME, Chan YH, Lim CS
Publication: Ann Acad Med Singapore, 2008, Vol. 37, Page 745-8
PubMed ID: 18989489 PubMed Review Paper? No
Purpose of Paper
Conclusion of Paper
Studies
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Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of blood collection technique on the rates of hemolysis among blood specimens. Personnel performing each blood collection filled out a standard questionnaire immediately following collection which included questions about perceived rate of blood flow (fast, moderate, or slow) and perceived difficulty of venipuncture/cannulation (easy, moderate, or hard). Various staff performed the collections including consultants, registrars, medical officers, students, or nurses.
Summary of Findings:
Of the 227 blood specimens with completed questionnaires, 19.8% were hemolyzed. Specimen hemolysis was not significantly affected by any of the preanalytical factors analyzed including needle gauge, operator, perceived rate of blood flow, difficulty of collection, sample volume, sample processing interval, or use of IV catheter versus venipuncture. However, use of a vacutainer system, as opposed to a syringe draw, was associated with a higher rate of hemolysis.
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- None (Fresh)
Diagnoses:
- Not specified
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Cell count/volume Spectrophotometry Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Biospecimen Acquisition Method of fluid acquisition Venipuncture
IV catheter
Syringe draw
Difficult blood draw
Not a difficult blood draw
Blood flow rates compared
Vacuum tube
Biospecimen Acquisition Needle gauge 21 gauge or lower
>21 gauge
Biospecimen Aliquots and Components Aliquot size/volume A range of blood collection volumes
Storage Time at room temperature A range of collection to processing intervals
Biospecimen Acquisition Anatomical location of blood draw Artery
Vein