5
Syringe samples – preanalytical errors
Sample collection and handling
1. Stable respiratory condition
To get a true picture of the patient’s respiratory condition the
patient should ideally be in a steady state of ventilation:
• Patients should be at rest for 5 minutes before sampling
• Ventilatory settings should be unchanged for 20 minutes
before sampling
• Pain and anxiety can influence the state of respiration so this
should be minimized wherever possible
2. Appropriate patient and sample identification
• Prevent mix-up or loss of samples
• Avoid re-sampling of patients
• Prevent misdiagnosis and wrong treatment
• Facilitate cross-charging
• Avoid litigation and lost billing opportunities
3. Appropriate preheparinized sampler with dry
electrolyte-balanced heparin
• Heparin is the only anticoagulant recommended by
Radiometer
• Slows the clotting process
• If applicable, explain about the different types of heparin:
Dry/liquid/balanced/non-balanced
• Dry electrolyte-balanced heparin (Na
+
, K
+
, Ca
2+
) is preferred
Stress that mixing with anticoagulant should be done as soon
as possible after sampling – but first visually inspect the sample
for air bubbles, expel all air bubbles, then mix.
Training method
Take the trainee through the possible preanalytical errors and explain how "quality in" equals "quality
out": better sample quality will provide more accurate results.
Emphasize the importance of the following points and adjust your messaging according to local
procedures. Demonstrate the steps whenever it seems helpful.
5 of 36
EXT-VEND-MAN-0023-1 Owner:Julie Monnox Approved:27 Mar 2019
