SAMPLE TRANSPORTATION
axis acceleration, temperature, humidity and pressure, allowing a QC process to be carried out.
An audience of laboratory staff and managers gathered for the two-day Transport Symposium.
– a process which increased anxiety for patients, and cost and time for both patient and laboratory.
Internal transport Going on to consider different transport types in use, Michael looked at both internal (manual/personal, tube systems and robots) and external (van/car, post, drone, etc) methods.
Manual transport – being carried by hand – is widely used where possible but carries certain advantages and disadvantages. Data were presented showing that manual transport vs. tube systems resulted in a notably lower variation in results for certain analytes. However, due to an obvious reliance on human factors, reliability, standardisation, and traceability were all difficult (if not impossible) to ensure.
Robotic sample transportation around hospital environments was presented as a new and developing method of sample transport. Robots offer appropriate sample storage, the potential to link in with existing automation systems and a consistent service, but are also expensive and can be a potential hazard in corridors etc. Traceability and data logging were highlighted as key benefits, but efficiency remains a question due to high costs and maintenance, as well as the need for contingency.
The use and history of pneumatic tubes was covered, with systems first used for human transport beginning in
the mid-to-late 19th century, with the postal service in New York adopting a tube system in 1897. Use in hospitals grew during the 20th century, advancing and improving with technology and new materials. Current systems in use can now be very complex, comprising a large number of lines, sending/receiving stations and junctions. Such systems are usually regarded as being very quick, but the possible impact on samples – especially when using under-filled tubes, which are subject to more agitation – was examined, with Michael presenting data from several published papers. While it was highlighted that such findings may not have any significant impact on laboratory results, Michael emphasised the need to ‘know your system’, and for the system to be validated to ensure consistent performance.
Pneumatic tube systems (PTS) may have an increased impact on samples due to their length, features such as corners and repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as impacts on landing. These are increased for certain sample or test types, or if the patient’s cells are weak. The process of validation of a PTS was covered, with examples from published studies, with some results showing variation was notable within a working day rather than a day-to-day comparison. Transport loggers can be used for this process, measuring three-
Published data showed how using inserts with a PTS affected vibration. Inserts used by hospitals varied from specially manufactured rigid and foam devices to simple bubble wrap and even nappies
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Published data were also presented showing how using inserts with a PTS affected vibration. Inserts used by hospitals varied from specially manufactured rigid and foam devices to simple bubble wrap and even nappies. The introduction of integration between PTS and automated analysers was also highlighted, offering obvious time saving and workload benefits, but added requirements for tube labelling and sample/test management. Up-to- date systems such as Sarstedt’s own Tempus600 which uses pre-labelled tubes, are able to integrate in this way, offering faster results with a first in, first out principle all with clear sample tracking information.
External transport External systems using either road, rail or even air are still required in many situations, and Michael highlighted the various regulations and national and European level which need to be followed. Diagnostic specimens require a primary receptacle, then secondary and outer packaging one of which should be rigid.
Samples gathered from the wider community are usually transported by van on the road and should be temperature controlled with tracking being available. Circumstances dictate that this can take prolonged periods of time especially in rural areas. Samples are often not pre- stabilised, but this was a measure that Michael suggested could be beneficial. Drones (also known as unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs) are another expanding area, currently the subject of numerous trials by hospitals and NHS trusts in the UK. UAV trials are taking place both across large rural areas as well as within larger hospital sites where they can cover relatively short distances safely and reliably. They can be either remotely piloted or completely autonomous – following a pre-programmed route. Benefits are sample stability and a controlled environment, but existing vehicles do need adapting for healthcare use and they are obviously affected by inclement weather conditions. Wile UAV trials offer promise in this
area, Michael highlighted many remaining areas of concern including validation requirements, aerospace regulations, space requirements for take-off and landing as well as potential payload size. When time is not of the essence, the post can still be used, although as Michael mentioned, this is appropriate for only a small selection of sample types.
MAY 2024
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