• R Zanner, N Moser, M Blobner, and P B Luppa.
• Klinik für Anaesthesiologie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität, München.
• Anaesthesist. 2006 Oct 1; 55 (10): 1099-104.

BackgroundTransport of blood gas samples via a pneumatic tube system and subsequent analysis in the central laboratory can reduce costs and errors compared to on-site testing in the operating theatre or the intensive care unit. In this study, a modern pneumatic tube transport system was tested for its usability for this purpose.MethodsA total of 4 consecutive blood gas samples were obtained intraoperatively from 54 different patients and sent to the central laboratory. Of these, 3 samples were transferred using the pneumatic tube system but by different methods and 1 sample was transported personally which served as a reference. The results of sample analysis concerning blood gases, electrolytes and haemoglobin were compared and examined for differences.ResultsNo statistically significant differences could be determined between the different modes of transportation.ConclusionTransport of samples for blood gas analysis via a modern pneumatic tube system is safe when samples are correctly prepared.

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