Shouldn't aliquoting serum be avoided if at all possible, as primary tube
identification does avoid errors, and enables safe rechecks etc. Surely
current anlaysers are such that the majority of reequests can be done
speedily on a main core biochemistry analsyer and a main immunoassay
analyser, passing the primary tube from one to the other.
Spun gel tubes can be sent to external laboratories for many assays, however
serum will still have to be aliquoted for the more specialised assays, but
that should be minimal.
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask]
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2000 12:31 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Pouring serum
Dear colleagues,
We have been having a "debate" across pathology about the appropriate way to
aliquot specimens for multiple destinations (different lab sections or
external specialist labs) taking account of Health & Safety risks.
Since we started using "gel" tubes it has become customary to pour an
aliquot of serum into a separate tube. Originally this avoided use of glass
pipettes which were a hazard, but even with plastic pipettes the possibility
of an aerosol on pipetting was thought to be a hazard particularly in a very
busy lab where it is done quickly.
Apparently the HSE and other safety bodies do not consider pouring to be
acceptable. They quote the "Howie" code which goes back a long time and
which pre-dated the use of "gel" tubes so that pouring was difficult anyway.
I am interested to know from others:
1. Do you pour or pipette aliquots of serum from "gel" tubes after
centrifugation?
2. Do you know of any evidence comparing the safety of pouring v
pipetting so that we can take evidence-based decisions?
If you wish to reply directly to me rather than the mailbase I shall be
happy to receive replies at
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
[log in to unmask]
Brian Senior
Royal Bolton Hospital
Bolton
Greater Manchester
BL4 0JR
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