Cancer Diagnosis Program | Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research Branch

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The influence of the tourniquet time on hematological testing for antidoping purposes.

Author(s): Lippi G, Salvagno GL, Solero GP, Guidi GC

Publication: Int J Sports Med, 2006, Vol. 27, Page 359-62

PubMed ID: 16729374 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 tourniquet time and aliquot sequential collection on hemoglobin, hematocrit, and reticulocyte counts in blood specimens from professional athletes. The first and tenth blood specimens collected from a single venipuncture with tourniquet application were compared. The average length of tourniquet application was 2.30 +/- 0.12 min. The first specimen was collected at the commencement of tourniquet application while the 10th specimen was collected at the end.

   Summary of Findings:

   Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were significantly higher (+2.4% and +1.4%, respectively) in the 10th specimen (collected after a longer tourniquet application) than in the first specimen (both p<0.001). However, reticulocyte counts were not significantly different between the two specimens. 15% of specimens exceeded the desirable analytical quality total error specification of 4.1% for hematocrit.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Blood

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Normal

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Protein	Hematology/ auto analyzer
   Cell count/volume	Hematology/ auto analyzer

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Method of fluid acquisition	Tourniquet times compared
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Aliquot sequential collection	1st collection 10th collection

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