SAMPLE TRANSPORTATION
The main advantages come for patients, for whom this method is much easier than bringing a sample to a hospital or laboratory site, and an increasing number of direct-to-patient services can be carried out entirely by post. Using post can though subject samples to extremes of temperature and conditions and time taken can vary significantly, which can still impact on sample quality.
Containers
Michael concluded his presentation with a look at the various types of containers used for sample transport. Most blood tubes are now manufactured from polypropylene or polyethylene, due to its resilience at all temperatures and conditions and relative inertness. These tubes also require a secure and inert lid or cap and should be transported in a rack or bag to prevent them coming into contact with other specimens. Transport containers need to maintain sample quality and should be secure, insulated (ideally with regulated temperature), as well as offering traceability in the form of GPS and time stamping. All this helps the laboratory accept/reject/interpret the test results.
Summary n High quality sample transport is key
to the quality of samples reaching the laboratory.
n Accurate data logging and tracking is key to the quality and value of the output from pathology.
n All transport mechanisms have challenges.
n All routes must be validated. n All variations must be minimised. n There should be a complete audit trail. n Data should be included in the LIMS and used in the interpretation.
The Tempus system Sarstedt’s Tempus system can transport single tube samples quickly and efficiently, without the need for any extra
Sarstedt’s Tempus system can transport single tube samples quickly and efficiently, without the need for any extra packaging.
packaging and with no effect on the sample itself. A variety of sending stations can cater for a number of different applications and sites, with automated versions able to handle up to 1,200 samples an hour. The system is designed to work with Sarstedt’s own pre-barcoded tubes and connection modules can also deliver sample tubes to bulk loaders or sorters for transfer to a track system. As well as the chance for delegates to get hands on with a working example of the Tempus system, there was the opportunity for a live Q+A session with laboratory staff in Denmark who work day- to-day with the largest currently installed version to hear how it works in practice and the benefits it has offered. Matt Casey, Sarstedt UK’s Marketing and Sales Support Manager commented:
“I would like to thank everyone that attended the event and maintained the high energy levels. We have received positive feedback from the attendees on all aspects of the event and we felt it was a success. The speakers focused on products, process and people to ultimately improve the transportation of samples. This cooperation with key opinion leaders enables Sarstedt to work in partnership with our customers to improve outcomes.”
Dr Mike Cornes is Pathology Director at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.
The Sarstedt Transport Symposium took place at the Sarstedt offices in Leicestershire in March 2024.
www.sarstedt.com
Severn Biotech
www.severnbiotech.com
reagents
Tel: +44 (0)1562 825286 Fax: +44 (0)1562 825284 E-mail:
info@servernbiotech.com
Our reagents are made from the highest quality pure materials to exact standards. ISO 9001 : 2015 accredited.
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM MAY 2024 43
molecular biology/lab
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
