J R Himberger1, L C Himberger. 1. 59 Medical Wing, 959 Surgical Operations Squadron, Emergency Department, Andrews Air Force Base, MD 20762, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of peripheral intravenous lines as an alternative route for obtaining blood samples. DESIGN: Quasiexperimental. SETTING: Wilford Hall Medical Center, a regional level I trauma center and military teaching hospital in San Antonio, Tex. SAMPLE: A convenience sample of 64 subjects was enrolled between September 1997 and June 1998. OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparative analysis of a complete blood count and chemistry, using the patients as their own control, on the same Coulter Analyzer and Boelrringer Mannheim/Hitachi 747-200. RESULTS: A total of 559 values were evaluated. Only 2.5% of the specimens exceeded the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act standards. None of the values was clinically significant. CONCLUSION: Intravenous devices, if used properly, are reliable tools for blood specimen collection. They yield accurate analyte levels that may used in the treatment of patients.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of peripheral intravenous lines as an alternative route for obtaining blood samples. DESIGN: Quasiexperimental. SETTING: Wilford Hall Medical Center, a regional level I trauma center and military teaching hospital in San Antonio, Tex. SAMPLE: A convenience sample of 64 subjects was enrolled between September 1997 and June 1998. OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparative analysis of a complete blood count and chemistry, using the patients as their own control, on the same Coulter Analyzer and Boelrringer Mannheim/Hitachi 747-200. RESULTS: A total of 559 values were evaluated. Only 2.5% of the specimens exceeded the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act standards. None of the values was clinically significant. CONCLUSION: Intravenous devices, if used properly, are reliable tools for blood specimen collection. They yield accurate analyte levels that may used in the treatment of patients.
Authors: Shannon M Straszewski; Leon Sanchez; Daniel McGillicuddy; Kirsten Boyd; Jane Dufresne; Nina Joyce; Richard Wolfe; Alice W Lee; Jonathan Fisher; John L Mottley Journal: Intern Emerg Med Date: 2011-04-06 Impact factor: 3.397