Emergency transport of AS-1 red cell units by pneumatic tube system.

We present a study in which 14 units of AS-1 red blood cells (AS-1RBC) were transported by the Trans-Logic 620 (Denver, CO) pneumatic tube system to determine whether the system could be used without risk of significant hemolysis. Using standard hematologic parameters we detected negligible hemolysis and conclude that the Trans-Logic 620 system can be used to transport AS-1RBC. This may provide time- and labor-saving benefits generalizable to more than 250 U.S. hospitals which presently operate the Trans-Logic 620.