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,
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
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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------ACB discussion List Information--------
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community working in clinical biochemistry.
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