The effects of pneumatic tube transport on fresh and stored platelets in additive solution

Effect of Pneumatic Tubing System Transport on Platelet Apheresis Units

Platelet apheresis units are transfused into patients to mitigate or prevent bleeding. In a hospital, platelet apheresis units are transported from the transfusion service to the healthcare teams via two methods: a pneumatic tubing system (PTS) or ambulatory transport. Whether PTS transport affects the activity and utility of platelet apheresis units is unclear. We quantified the gravitational forces and transport time associated with PTS and ambulatory transport within our hospital. Washed platelets and supernatants were prepared from platelet apheresis units prior to transport as well as following ambulatory or PTS transport. For each group, we compared resting and agonist-induced platelet activity and platelet aggregate formation on collagen or von Willebrand factor (VWF) under shear, platelet VWF-receptor expression and VWF multimer levels. Subjection of platelet apheresis units to rapid acceleration/deceleration forces during PTS transport did not pre-activate platelets or their ability to activate in response to platelet agonists as compared to ambulatory transport. Platelets within platelet apheresis units transported via PTS retained their ability to adhere to surfaces of VWF and collagen under shear, although platelet aggregation on collagen and VWF was diminished as compared to ambulatory transport. VWF multimer levels and platelet GPIb receptor expression was unaffected by PTS transport as compared to ambulatory transport. Subjection of platelet apheresis units to PTS transport did not significantly affect the baseline or agonist-induced levels of platelet activation as compared to ambulatory transport. Our case study suggests that PTS transport may not significantly affect the hemostatic potential of platelets within platelet apheresis units.

Evaluation of the pneumatic tube system for transportation of packed red cell units

BACKGROUND

Pneumatic tube system (PTS) is commonly used in hospital settings to transport blood samples to diagnostic laboratories. At our blood center, we receive blood requisitions via the PTS, but units are carried to the ward by human courier. Recently we considered using the PTS for transporting blood units. Since, there are reports of hemolysis in blood samples sent through the PTS, we evaluated this system for transporting red cell units.

AIMS

The aim was to assess the effect of PTS transport on the quality of packed red cell units.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 red blood cells units (RBC), (25 non-irradiated and 25 irradiated) were subjected to transportation through the PTS. The control arm in the study was age-matched RBC units not subjected to PTS transport. Each RBC unit was evaluated for hemoglobin (Hb), lactate dehydrogenase, potassium and plasma hemoglobin (Hb). The paired t-test was used to compare these parameters, and the P value was calculated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The percentage of hemolysis after transportation through PTS was below the recommended guidelines. Delivery of the blood unit to the wrong station, bags lying unattended at the destination were few of the problems that had to be addressed. To conclude, though the PTS is a safe means of transporting blood products with reduction in the turn-around-time, it must be validated before use.