NIH, National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD) NIH - National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute DCTD - Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis

Pseudometabolic acidosis caused by underfill of Vacutainer tubes.

Author(s): Herr RD, Swanson T

Publication: Ann Emerg Med, 1992, Vol. 21, Page 177-80

PubMed ID: 1739211 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

The purpose of this paper was to determine the effects of specimen volume and venting Vacutainer tubes after specimen collection on serum bicarbonate and anion gap values.

Conclusion of Paper

In both vented and unvented tubes, mean serum bicarbonate values decreased and mean anion gap increased significantly as specimen volume decreased from 10 mL to 1 mL. No significant differences in serum bicarbonate or anion gap were found between vented and unvented tubes.

Studies

  1. Study Purpose

    The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of specimen volume and venting Vacutainer tubes after specimen collection on serum bicarbonate and anion gap values in specimens from emergency department patients. The authors state that time to analysis was not controlled but reflected actual patient care.

    Summary of Findings:

    In both vented and unvented tubes, mean serum bicarbonate values decreased and mean anion gap increased significantly as specimen volume decreased from 10 mL to 1 mL. No significant differences in serum bicarbonate or anion gap were found between vented and unvented tubes.

    Biospecimens
    Preservative Types
    • None (Fresh)
    Diagnoses:
    • Not specified
    Platform:
    AnalyteTechnology Platform
    Electrolyte/Metal Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
    Small molecule Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
    Pre-analytical Factors:
    ClassificationPre-analytical FactorValue(s)
    Biospecimen Aliquots and Components Aliquot size/volume 10 mL
    3 mL
    1 mL
    Storage Storage conditions Vacutainer vented after collection
    Unvented Vacutainer

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