The effects of transport by pneumatic tube system on coagulation tests in Phrae Hospital
Abstract
Background: Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) reduces the time required to deliver and ease the workload of the ward staff. Therefore, the study in the impact on the laboratory test values in each location of the PTS which is important. Delivery speed, the distance of the air duct and the different environmental factors between the delivery station and the receiving station can affect the specimen. Previously, it was suggested that delivery of specimens via the PTS may have an effect on coagulation tests. This study compares and verifies the effect on blood coagulation tests for clarity in determining delivery guidelines.
Objective: To study the effect in delivery of air transport specimens on coagulation tests in Phrae Hospital. Compared with deliveries by delivery personnel. From the emergency department which has the shortest air pipe distance and from the female medicine ward 2, which has the longest airway distance.
Study design: We used 114 specimens of the emergency department, 5 specimens from out patient department and 44 specimens from Internal Medicine Section, with blood coagulation tests orders. Between January and February 2020, a total of 163 specimens. By drawing blood from the veins divided into 2 tubes, 3.2% Sodium citrate. Group 1 delivered by the PTS. Group 2 delivered by the delivery staff of the blood collection unit. Delivered to the Hematology and Microscopic Laboratory. Plasma separation at a speed of 3000 rpm for 10 minutes and blood coagulation tests PT, INR and a-PTT were determined. Both samples examined the integrity of the CBC with an automated cell counter machine.
Results: The average velocity of the air duct system is 3.43 meters per second (1.66-3.76). The longest air duct distance is at the female medicine ward 2, which is 188 meters with an average delivery speed of 3.68 meters per second (3.62-3.76). The shortest air duct distance is the emergency department, which is 68 meters with an average delivery speed of 1.74 meters per second (1.66-1.84). Blood coagulation test values from both groups were not significantly different at p=0.5-0.7.
Conclusion: Blood delivery with the Phrae Hospital air transport system with a distance of 68-188 meters at the shuttle speed between 1.66-3.76 meters per minute and does not affect the PT and a-PTT coagulation values.
Keywords: Hospital pneumatic tube system, Prothrombin time, Partial thromboplastin time
