The preanalytical influence of two different mechanical transport systems on laboratory analysis.

Author(s): Koessler J, Kobsar AL, Brunner K, Stolz H, Dossler B, Walter U, Steigerwald U

Publication: Clin Chem Lab Med, 2011, Vol. 49, Page 1379-82

PubMed ID: 21574889 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 TVS and PTS as methods for transport of blood specimens compared to courier transport (CT) on blood cell counts, coagulation parameters, platelet function tests, and clinical chemistry analytes. Specimens were collected from 33 volunteers including healthy individuals, and those on oral anticoagulants or other medications. Specimens were collected into different tube types but no comparison is made.

   Summary of Findings:

   The only significant difference observed between PTS and TVS transport was slightly elevated basal PAC-1 activation in the PTS transported specimens. Similar basal PAC-1 activation levels were observed after TVS and CT transport. Activation of PAC-1 by ADP was reduced after 2 and 5 min in PTS and TVS transported specimens compared to those transported by CT. The number of leukocytes and lymphocytes were reduced after PTS or TVS transport compared to CT, but the reduction was only significant for leukocytes when blood was transported by PTS. LD was significantly increased after transport of blood specimens by PTS or TVS compared to CT. AST was significantly increased in the TVS transported specimens compared to those transported by CT, but not in the PTS transported specimens. PT and d-dimer concentration were each significantly increased in specimens transported by PTS and TVS compared to those transported by CT. 21 other analytes were unaffected by specimen transportation method.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Blood

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Normal
   • Not specified

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Cell count/volume	Hematology/ auto analyzer
   Protein	Hematology/ auto analyzer
   Morphology	Hematology/ auto analyzer
   Peptide	Hematology/ auto analyzer
   Protein	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Electrolyte/Metal	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Anticoagulant	Citrate EDTA Gel-barrier
   Storage	Within hospital transportation method	Hand-delivered Pneumatic tube system Track vehicle system
   Storage	Specimen transport duration/condition	1 min 45 sec (PTS) 4 min (hand-delivered) 11 min (TVS)

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