Brand of dipotassium EDTA vacuum tube as a new source of pre-analytical variability in routine haematology testing.

Author(s): Lima-Oliveira G, Lippi G, Salvagno GL, Montagnana M, Poli G, Solero GP, Picheth G, Guidi GC

Publication: Br J Biomed Sci, 2013, Vol. 70, Page 6-9

PubMed ID: 23617091 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 collection tube manufacturer on 16 hematological parameters in K2 EDTA blood from healthy volunteers. Patients remained seated for 15 min before venipuncture and collection into a plain 2 mL tube (discarded), then the 3.0 mL Venosafe tube, the 4.0 mL Vacuette and finally the 3.0 mL Vacutainer. All three tubes used after the initial plain tube contained K2 EDTA, but at slightly different concentrations.

   Summary of Findings:

   The collection tube type had significant effects on hematocrit, MCV, WBC count, and PDW, but the other 12 hematological parameters were unaffected by collection tube type. Compared to specimens in Venosafe tubes, specimens in Vacuettes had higher hematocrit (p=0.04), MCV (p<0.01) and PDW (p<0.01) and lower WBC counts (p=0.03), but the authors state only the differences in HCT and PDW were clinically relevant. Compared to specimens in Venosafe tubes, specimens in Vacutainers had lower MCV (p<0.01) and WBC counts (p=0.03) and higher PDW (p<0.01), but the authors report only the difference in PDW was clinically relevant. Compared to specimens in Vacuettes, specimens in Vacutainers had lower hematocrit (p<0.01) and MCV (p<0.01), and all differences were reported to be clinically relevant. The authors state the differences may be attributed to differences in EDTA particle size, EDTA concentration or tube material, but do not discuss the potential impact of serial collection.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Blood

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Normal

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Cell count/volume	Hematology/ auto analyzer

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Type of collection container/solution	Venosafe Vacuette Vacutainer
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Aliquot sequential collection	2nd collection 3rd collection 4th collection

   View more