Accuracy of coagulation values obtained from a heparinized central venous catheter.
OBJECTIVE
To compare coagulation values of blood samples drawn from heparinized central venous catheters (CVCs) and peripheral veins.


METHODS
Correlational.


METHODS
Adult, acute-care hematology/oncology unit in a 1,000-bed teaching hospital.


METHODS
Twelve adult patients with cancer who had varied diagnoses and patent CVCs.


METHODS
Simultaneous blood samples were drawn from the CVC and a peripheral vein and were tested for prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).


METHODS
PT and aPTT values.


RESULTS
PT and aPTT values were significantly prolonged in samples drawn from CVCs when compared to peripherally drawn samples.


CONCLUSIONS
Accurate coagulation values cannot be obtained from a heparinized CVC.


CONCLUSIONS
Blood for coagulation values should be obtained from peripheral veni-puncture. Further research should explore the effects of various catheters, heparin dwell time, and systemic anticoagulation on coagulation values.
Pinto
K M
KM
St. Joseph's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ.
D015982:Bias; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000451:nursing; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D006493:Heparin