The Effects of Sample Transport by Pneumatic Tube System on Routine Hematology and Coagulation Tests

BACKGROUND: Automation helps improve laboratory operational efficiency and reduce the turnaround time. Pneumatic tube systems (PTS) automate specimen transport between the lab and other areas of the hospital. Its effect on complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation is still controversial. AIM: To study the effects of pneumatic tube system sample transport on complete blood count and coagulation parameters to compare them with hand delivered samples. METHODS: 75 paired samples for complete blood count and 25 paired samples for coagulation analysis were compared between samples sent via pneumatic tube system and hand delivered system. RESULTS: PTS showed significant decrease in red cell indices such as MCV and RDW and increase in MCHC. Other red cell parameters and WBC parameters showed no statistical significant difference. Statistically significant increase in platelet count was observed with PTS samples. However, these differences were clinically insignificant. No significant effect of PTS was found in PT and APTT samples compared to the hand delivered samples. CONCLUSION: Despite statistically significant changes in RBC parameters such as MCV, RDW, and MCHC and platelet count, these changes were clinically insignificant. Hence, blood samples for CBC and coagulation assay can safely be transported via our hospital's PTS. However, further studies on platelet count are warranted to ensure safe transport and accuracy of the results.