Pneumatic tube system for transport of laboratory samples: preanalytical aspects

Introduction: A considerable proportion of laboratory errors occurs in the preanalytical phase. Aim: The aims of the authors were to study preanalytical errors in routine and emergency laboratory diagnostics in a regional clinical laboratory and evaluate the effect of the pneumatic tube system on turnaround time and laboratory results. Method: The ratio of preanalytical errors and reasons of test rejection were analysed. In addition, the effects of pneumatic tube and manual transport on the occurrence of hemolysis and platelet activation were compared. Results: Using the pneumatic tube transport system, preanalytical error was below 1%. The main causes of test rejection were haemolysis in case of serum samples, and clot formation and citrate excess in anticoagulated samples. The pneumatic tube transport resulted in significantly faster sample transport, more equalized sample arrival and processing, hence the turnaround time became shorter both for routine and emergency tests. Conclusions: Autovalidation and proper control of preanalytical errors are essential for rapid and reliable laboratory service supported by the pneumatic tube system for sample transport. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(28), 1113–1120.

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THE ROLE OF PNEUMATIC TUBE SYSTEM IN EFFICIENCY OF EMERGENCY LABORATORY SERVICE OF THE HOSPITAL

EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE ◽

10.24884/2072-6716-2018-19-3-40-44 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 40-44

Author(s):

V. M. Teplov ◽

E. A. Karpova ◽

Yu. P. Kovalchuk ◽

I. P. Minnullin ◽

S. S. Komedev ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Test ◽

Laboratory Tests ◽

Limiting Factor ◽

Test Results ◽

Tube System ◽

Laboratory Service ◽

Pneumatic Tube ◽

Rate Limiting ◽

Pneumatic Tube System

Laboratory tests are one of the most commonly ordered tests in the ED and often the rate-limiting factor in the workup of a patient. The pneumatic tube system (PTS) can use to provide quick specimen delivery. First aim of this study was to assess PTS by comparing routine chemistry, hematology, coagulation blood test results and sample integrity indices between duplicate samples transported either manually or automatically. Also we tried to assess the contribution of PTS to reduction in lab turnaround times.

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Validation of the Pneumatic Tube System and its Impact on Troponin I Turnaround Time in a Level I Trauma Center

American Journal of Clinical Pathology ◽

10.1093/ajcp/138.suppl2.29 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 138 (suppl 2) ◽

pp. A062-A062

Author(s):

Jennifer Hawkins ◽

Linette Mejias ◽

Kathleen M. Rowan ◽

Bette Seamonds

Keyword(s):

Trauma Center ◽

Troponin I ◽

Turnaround Time ◽

Tube System ◽

Pneumatic Tube ◽

Level I ◽

Pneumatic Tube System

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Improved Pneumatic Tube System Shortens Stat Turnaround Time

Laboratory Medicine ◽

10.1093/labmed/8.11.21 ◽

1977 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 21-25 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jerome S. Nosanchuk ◽

James D. Salvatore

Keyword(s):

Turnaround Time ◽

Tube System ◽

Pneumatic Tube ◽

Pneumatic Tube System

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Requiem for the STAT Test: Automation and Point of Care Testing

Laboratory Medicine ◽

10.1093/labmed/lmz080 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Gurmukh Singh ◽

Natasha M Savage ◽

Brandy Gunsolus ◽

Kellie A Foss

Keyword(s):

Point Of Care ◽

Turnaround Time ◽

Test Automation ◽

Test Results ◽

Point Of Care Testing ◽

Tube System ◽

Front End ◽

Laboratory Test Results ◽

Batch Testing ◽

Pneumatic Tube System

Abstract Objective Quick turnaround of laboratory test results is needed for medical and administrative reasons. Historically, laboratory tests have been requested as routine or STAT. With a few exceptions, a total turnaround time of 90 minutes has been the usually acceptable turnaround time for STAT tests. Methods We implemented front-end automation and autoverification and eliminated batch testing for routine tests. We instituted on-site intraoperative testing for selected analytes and employed point of care (POC) testing judiciously. The pneumatic tube system for specimen transport was expanded. Results The in-laboratory turnaround time was reduced to 45 minutes for more than 90% of tests that could reasonably be ordered STAT. With rare exceptions, the laboratory no longer differentiates between routine and STAT testing. Having a single queue for all tests has improved the efficiency of the laboratory. Conclusion It has been recognized in manufacturing that batch processing and having multiple queues for products are inefficient. The same principles were applied to laboratory testing, which resulted in improvement in operational efficiency and elimination of STAT tests. We propose that the target for in-laboratory turnaround time for STAT tests, if not all tests, be 45 minutes or less for more than 90% of specimens.

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Pneumatic tube system induced haemolysis: assessing sample type susceptibility to haemolysis

Annals of Clinical Biochemistry International Journal of Laboratory Medicine ◽

10.1258/000456304323019631 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 41 (3) ◽

pp. 237-240 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

R. Sodi ◽

S. M Darn ◽

A. Stott

Keyword(s):

Sample Type ◽

Tube System ◽

Pneumatic Tube ◽

Pneumatic Tube System

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Transport of Red Blood Cell Concentrates and Fresh Frozen Plasma in a Pneumatic Tube System

Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy ◽

10.1159/000073324 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 30 (4) ◽

pp. 157-162 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

K. Liebscher ◽

I. Bogner ◽

H. Dietzel ◽

R. Kätzel

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Red Blood Cell ◽

Fresh Frozen Plasma ◽

Tube System ◽

Pneumatic Tube ◽

Fresh Frozen ◽

Pneumatic Tube System ◽

Frozen Plasma

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Organization of the work of the medical laboratory service in accordance with the requirements of the standard GOST ISO 15189–2015 «Medical laboratories. Particular requirements for quality and competence»

Spravočnik vrača obŝej praktiki (Journal of Family Medicine) ◽

10.33920/med-10-2012-02 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 15-22

Author(s):

Elena Vitalievna Perminova

Keyword(s):

Clinical Laboratory ◽

Medical Laboratory ◽

Laboratory Research ◽

Laboratory Diagnostics ◽

Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory ◽

Diagnostic Laboratory ◽

Iso 15189 ◽

Laboratory Service ◽

Medical Laboratories

Clinical laboratory diagnostics is a medical specialty, which is based on in vitro diagnostic studies of biomaterial obtained from an individual. At the present stage, there are three main types of organization of the laboratory research process — a laboratory service as part of a medical and preventive institution, a centralized laboratory where biomaterials are delivered for research from various healthcare institutions, as well as mobile laboratories that allow conducting the research directly at the patient’s bedside. This discipline involves the use of a wide variety of diagnostic research methods and the use of a huge number of specific techniques. Their list should include carrying out hematological, microbiological, virological, immunological, serological, parasitic, and biochemical studies. Also, when organizing laboratory diagnostic activities, a number of other studies (cytological, histological, toxicological, genetic, molecular biological, etc.) are provided. A laboratory report is formulated after obtaining clinical data and comparing them with the obtained test results. The quality of laboratory tests is ensured through the systematic implementation of internal laboratory control, as well as participation in a national program for external quality assessment. The activities of the clinical diagnostic laboratory should be organized in accordance with the requirements of the standard GOST R ISO 15189–2015 «Medical laboratories. Particular requirements for quality and competence», which is based on the provisions of two more fundamental standards — ISO 9001 and ISO 17025, and adds a number of special requirements related to medical laboratories.

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