One possible answer is to purchase one of the Radiometer 7 series blood gas
analysers which incorporates an analytical uniit for bilirubin assays on the
whole blood sample. Centrifugation of capillary samples is then a part of
history.
John Fry
Worthing Hospital
> ----------
> From: Evans, Francis - RCHT[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To: ACB Point of Care Testing List
> Sent: 15 November 2002 11:58
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Bilirubinometers
>
> I have been concerned for 'ages' about the infection risk involved in
> spinning capillaries for bilirubins in our SCBU laboratory. We do have a
> separate lab to contain the gas analyser and bilirubinometer but the
> aerosol
> problem when capillaries leak and eject their contents is of considerable
> concern. I have not been able to get any manufacturer to supply a
> properly
> sealed rotor to contain spills.
>
> I would also be interested to hear other views on suitable alternatives.
>
> Francis Evans
> Chief BMS
> Clinical Chemistry
> Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
> Truro TR1 3LJ
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Paul Eldridge [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2002 10:05
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Bilrubinometers
>
>
> I have sent this to both the POCT list and ACB clin chem list. Apologies
> to those who get it twice.
> Two problems/questions:
> 1. Infection in ward areas by centrifuges.
> It has been reported by a new paediatric doctor here that
> bilirubinometers have been removed from wards in 2 SW London hospitals
> because of infection risks from the centrifuges used to spin down the
> capillary tubes.
> Have others experienced this problem?
> Is there a centrifuge available that can be sealed?
> Is there any good experience with non invasive bilirubin measurements?
>
> 2. We recently replaced our TIME ward bilirubinometer with the Digital
> Analogue Systems NEO BIL instrument distributed by Schuco in the UK. It
> very simple to operate by the ward staff but cannot be calibrated by the
> lab. It has a non linear response noted by positive bias below 300 and
> negative above this level. This has been shown by studies on EQAS
> samples and our dilution studies.
> Do others have the problem and how do you overcome it ?
>
> Many thanks in advance.
>
>
> Dr Paul H Eldridge
> Clinical Biochemist
> University Hospital Lewisham
> London SE13 6LH
> UK
> Phone: (44) 020 8333 3255
> Fax: (44) 020 8690 8891
>
>
> [log in to unmask]
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