Hi John,
There was a study in the BMJ in 1996 from Nottingham which looked at
hypokalaemia in samples sitting in vans during a hot summer (one to think
about in a few months time hopefully!).
BMJ. 1996 Jun 29;312(7047):1652-3.
Ian
-----Original Message-----
From: O'Connor John (Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust)
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 15 April 2005 08:45
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Delays in separation
Bit of an old chestnut this one, although I cannot find any discussion on
the list archive.
We serve a large rural population with many outlying GP surgeries. Our
transport system is not all that it could be and a 3 metre wide road in
Devon could be considered a superhighway. The net result is that there can
be significant delays in sample separation.
Pragmatically, we suppress any Potassium results in samples over 6 hours,
issuing an appropriate sample delay comment instead. Many GP's are less than
happy with this, particularly in patients on ACE inhibitors where an
available and accurate potassium result is desirable.
I am aware of studies that relate to cellular potassium leakage in stored
samples, but has anyone performed any work on van transported samples that
endure bumpy roads in the sweltering heat of summer and freezing winter
days?
I guess the most practical approach is to put centrifuges in the most
outlying surgeries, but there are health and safety issues connected with
this. Or persuade the powers that be in Primary care to co-ordinate
transport appropriately, although this is no easy task when dealing with 3
PCT's in our catchment area.
I would be interested to know other laboratories policies / experiences on
this and will compile a response to the mailing list, if labs wish to send
me their protocols.
Thanks
John O'Connor
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