Box for Transporting Samples for Arterial Blood Gas Analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a blood sample container that could maintain standard temperature of 0-4 °C while prevent water from entering the blood sample, and promptly delivers the samples for blood gas analysis within 30 minutes. It was conducted in June 2017 as a research and development study applying the continuous quality improvement processes consisting of planning, problem analysis and innovative quality inspection that brought the innovation into action. The instruments used in the research included: (1) an innovative blood temperature control machine (BTCM), (2) observation and evaluation of the effectiveness of the BTCM, and (3) a satisfaction questionnaires. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics were used for the percentage, mean, and standard deviation for each of 30 blood samples. It was found that the BTCM was effective in maintaining the mean temperature of 1oC in accordance with the requirement of 0-4 °C. It could also prevent water from entering the blood sample. The attached warning system was able to remind the responsible staff to send the samples at an average of 19 minutes. The innovation was highly acceptable by the staff, with the satisfaction rate of 88.0%.