Pediatric Tube Direct Sampling by the Abbott Architect Integrated ci8200 Chemistry/Immunochemistry Analyzer

Abstract

Handling and direct sampling from primary, barcode-labeled pediatric tubes is a challenge for laboratories processing substantial numbers of pediatric samples (1)(2). To prevent anemia as a result of frequent blood draws in pediatric patients, analyzers should be able to handle small sample volumes collected in pediatric tubes. However, most analyzers are developed for standard adult tubes and cannot handle primary pediatric tubes (1)(3). Pediatric samples therefore are often manually processed and transferred to sample cups (3); this process, however, is prone to errors and is time-consuming. In our study, we assessed the ability of the Abbott Architect ci8200 (Abbott Laboratories) to handle and directly sample from different types of primary, barcode-labeled pediatric lithium heparin gel tubes and determined the sample dead volumes of these tubes and the standard Abbott sample cup. Five types of tubes were tested: the Sarstedt Microvette® …