Pneumatic Tube System for transportation of packed red cell units- Experience of a Decade

ABSTRACT: Background: In many hospital environments, pneumatic tube systems (PTS) are commonly used to move blood samples swiftly to laboratories. At our center, we've used PTS for over ten years not only to receive blood requisitions but also to deliver red cell units to various wards. Given some concerns in literature about hemolysis in samples transported via PTS, we undertook a study to assess the safety and impact of this system on red blood cell (RBC) unit quality. Aim: To share a decade-long institutional experience on the impact of PTS on the integrity of packed red blood cell units. Materials and Methods: Forty units of packed RBCs were analyzed both before and after PTS transport. Parameters such as hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), potassium, and plasma hemoglobin were measured. A paired t-test was used to assess any significant differences, and p-values were calculated. Results and Conclusion: The level of hemolysis observed after PTS transport remained within acceptable limits. Based on our findings, PTS can be considered a safe and efficient method for transporting blood components, provided proper validation is conducted prior to implementation. Keywords: Pneumatic Tube System (PTS), Red Blood Cell (RBC) Transport, Hemolysis, Blood Component Quality, Transfusion Safety