Evaluation of sample integrity and turnaround time upon implementation of a high-speed carrier-free pneumatic tube system

BackgroundPneumatic tube systems (PTSs) have revolutionized sample transport efficiency, yet concerns about sample integrity remain unresolved. This study evaluated the AirLab system (PazKorea, Hanam-si, Korea), a novel high-speed carrier-free PTS, for its impact on sample integrity and turnaround time (TAT) under controlled pre-analytical conditions.MethodsBlood specimens were collected in duplicate from 42 participants (30 healthy volunteers and 12 outpatients with chronic alcohol use) and randomly assigned to PTS or manual transport. Multiple laboratory parameters were analysed, including chemistry, hematology, coagulation, and heavy metal tests. Sample integrity was assessed by comparing test results between transport methods using both statistical analysis and clinical significance criteria based on total allowable error (TAE). Pre-analytical, analytical and total TATs were compared between transport methods.ResultsAmong 20 measurands, four showed statistically significant differences: glucose, potassium (K), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). PTS yielded higher results for glucose, K and LD (average percentage biases: 1.88%, 2.01%, and 15.80%, respectively), while producing lower results for MCV (average percentage bias: -0.47%). Only LD showed clinically significant differences, as its average percentage bias exceeded its desirable TAE. PTS significantly reduced both pre-analytical and total TATs for all test types, with reductions ranging from 12.12% to 22.82% and 7.32% to 8.98%, respectively, whereas analytical TATs remained unchanged.ConclusionsThe AirLab system effectively preserves sample integrity for most laboratory parameters while improving operational efficiency through TAT reduction. However, the clinically significant elevation in LD levels necessitates careful interpretation when employing this system in clinical laboratories.