The comparison of blood gas analysis (BGA) parameters in samples transported by the pneumatic tube system and manual transport at Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) can reduce the time needed to transport laboratory samples, thus resulting in faster turn-around time. Blood gas analysis (BGA) is a critical laboratory examination, and it would benefit from sending the sample using PTS. Some studies showed the effect of PTS on BGA’s parameters, so the laboratory should validate the usage of PTS before delivering the samples. This study aims to determine the comparison of BGA parameters in Sample Transported by Pneumatic Tube System and Manual Transport at Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia.Method: A cross sectional analytic study was conducted among 31 blood patients and divided into two syringes. One syringe was delivered by PTS as well as the other was transported by courier. The delivery distance was 250 meters for both transportations. Both samples then were examined by qualified laboratory analyst. The pH, pCO2, and pO2 were compared. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17 for windows.Result: The result of pH, pO2 and pCO2 in PTS samples was not significantly different compared to manual transportation (p=0,799; p=0,955 and p=0,856 respectively). Bland-Altman plot was found a good agreement between both types of transportation method.Conclusion: The result of this study showed no significant difference in BGA’s parameters sent by PTS or manual transportation. PTS can be used to replace manual transportation in delivering blood gas samples to the central laboratory.