Mike / all,

We have a very good quality, laboratory managed phlebotomy service, embodying rigorous training and subsequent recurrent competence checks. I believe that the incidence of haemolysed samples is low as a result of this system.

Our phlebotomists are paid on band 3 (after a struggle). I believe that many Trusts pay band 2 rates for this job, the public face of Pathology. (It’s “only” phlebotomy.... anyone can do that can’t they?)

It's worth remembering,

If you don't get the right sample, of the right quality, from the right patient, at the right time, in the right container, then we may as well switch off all of our shiny analytical toys.

 

Happy Christmas, and best wishes,

Chris

Chris Royle

Service Manager,

Clinical Biochemistry and Haematology Departments,

Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust,

Royal Brompton Hospital,

Sydney Street,

LONDON

SW3 6NP

phone:  + 44 (0)20 7351 8413

fax:      + 44 (0)20 7351 8416

e mail [log in to unmask]

 

P Save Paper - Do you really need to print this e-mail?

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Clinical biochemistry discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Hallworth Mike (RLZ)
Sent: 19 December 2008 14:40
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Haemolysis

 

I support this completely, having just dealt with an incident of a child

with an admission K+ of 8.1 and Ca of 1.4 which turned out to be EDTA

contamination of the biochem sample caused by poor collection technique.

 

Mike

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----

From: Clinical biochemistry discussion list

[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Burgess

Sent: 19 December 2008 14:28

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Haemolysis

 

May I have another bite at this cherry, particularly in the light of

'our long awaited Christmas box' from the DH.  I feel very strongly it

would improve the Quality of our services if we could ensure that

samples were drawn by individuals with proven competency in this area,

according to approved guidelines.  Where this demonstrably fails, (ie

when we find samples with high hemolysis indices), a register of the

occurrence and league table of the offenders could be kept and

additional training provided, (at least).  The inconvenience, worry,

waste and expense caused by bad venepuncture justifys delaying a request

for analysis until a competent phlebotomist is available.  Perhaps the

new skill-mix could include more skilled blood collection practitioners,

Merry Christmas.

 

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