title: Pneumatic tube transport affects platelet function measured by multiplate electrode aggregometry.
abstract: Multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) is used to measure platelet function. Pneumatic tube transport systems (PTS) for delivery of patient samples to a central laboratory are often used to reduce turnaround time for vital analyses. We evaluated the effects of PTS transport on platelet function as measured by MEA. Duplicate samples were collected from 58 individuals. One sample was sent using PTS and the other was carried by personnel to the lab. Platelet function was measured by means of a Multiplate® analyzer using the ADP test, ASPI test, COL test, RISTO test and TRAP test. Samples transported using PTS showed a reduction of AUC-values of up to a 100% of the average as compared to samples carried by personnel and a majority showed reductions of AUC-values greater than 20% of the average. Bias±95% limits of agreement for the ADP test were 26±56% of the average. Bias±95% limits of agreement for the ASPI test were 16±58% of the average. Bias±95% limits of agreement for the COL test were 20±54% of the average. Bias±95% limits of agreement for the RISTO were 14±79% of the average. Bias±95% limits of agreement for the TRAP test were 19±45% of the average. We conclude that PTS transport affect platelet activity as measured by MEA. We advise against clinical decisions regarding platelet function on the basis of samples sent by PTS in our hospital settings.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Chemistry, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. thalen.simon@gmail.com
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thalén
authors.forename: Ida
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Forsling
authors.forename: Jaak
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Eintrei
authors.forename: Lisbeth
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Söderblom
authors.forename: Jovan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Antovic
mesh_terms: D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D004566:Electrodes; D006801:Humans; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D010979:Platelet Function Tests / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
keywords: Anti-platelet treatment; MEA; Multiplate; Multiple electrode aggregometry; PTS; Platelet function; Pneumatic tube transport system