Pneumatic tube transportation of urine samples.
Author(s): Andersen ES, Brandslund I
Publication: Clin Chem Lab Med, 2021, Vol. 59, Page 905-911
PubMed ID: 33554569 PubMed Review Paper? No
Purpose of Paper
The purpose of this paper was to compare levels of clinical chemistry analytes and cell counts in matched urine specimens transported on foot and by pneumatic tube system (PTS).
Conclusion of Paper
The limits of agreement of for sodium; potassium; and bacterial, red blood cell (RBC), renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC), and white blood cell (WBC) counts after PTS were larger than expected. A slight positive bias was found in RTEC and RBC counts but the bias in RBC counts was found only for specimens with a mean count <10×106/L and was small in relation to the biological standard deviation (SD). The authors state that most of the noted changes would be considered clinically insignificant.
Studies
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Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare levels of clinical chemistry analytes and cell counts in matched urine specimens transported on foot and by PTS. One hundred fresh, outpatient urine specimens were aliquoted into four vacuum tubes. Two aliquots were immediately transported 30 m on foot and the other two were sent in a Tempus600 pneumatic tube system (no cartridges). Upon receipt in the laboratory, one aliquot transported by each method was centrifuged at 2654 x g for 5 min and levels of albumin, urea nitrogen, creatinine, potassium, protein, and sodium were quantified using a Cobas8000. Bacteria, RBC, RTEC, squamous epithelial cells (SQEC), and WBC counts were analyzed using a UF-5000 on specimens without centrifugation.
Summary of Findings:
Although no bias in levels of albumin, urea nitrogen, creatinine, potassium, protein, or sodium were found after PTS transport, the limits of agreement for sodium and potassium were wider than expected. In specimens with mean RBC counts <50×106/L, limits of agreement after PTS were significantly higher than expected. For specimens with RBC counts <10×106/L, a positive bias was found after pneumatic tube system transport but this bias was <25% of biological SD. The limit of agreement for RTEC counts after PTS transport exceeded the expected value and a positive clinically relative bias of 0.41×106/L was found. The limits of agreement for WBC counts also exceeded the expected range after PTS transport but no bias was found. In specimens with mean bacteria counts <35×106/L, the limit of agreement exceeded the expected level but the authors state the acceptability is unclear as cut-off values vary within the literature and there was no bias found. No biases were detected and the limits of agreement were within the expected range for mean bacteria >35×106/L, RTEC >2.5×106/L, and SQEC counts.
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- None (Fresh)
Diagnoses:
- Not specified
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Cell count/volume Hematology/ auto analyzer Small molecule Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Protein Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Electrolyte/Metal Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Storage Within hospital transportation method Hand-delivered
Pneumatic tube system