Emergency departments are higher-risk locations for wrong blood in tube errors.

BACKGROUND: Wrong blood in tube (WBIT) errors can lead to ABO mistransfusions. It is unknown if WBIT errors are more likely in specific healthcare locations or if specific collection practices influence the commission of WBIT errors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data on pretransfusion samples from calendar year 2019 were collected retrospectively by 39 transfusion services in nine countries. We compared the proportion of WBIT errors made in emergency departments (EDs), inpatient wards, and outpatient clinics. RESULTS: In total, 143 WBIT errors were detected among 1,394,862 samples for an unadjusted aggregate WBIT proportion of 1.03/10,000 samples. Using a pooled random effects model, the WBIT proportion was estimated to be significantly higher in EDs (1.23/10,000 samples, 95% CI 0.62-2.43) than inpatient wards (0.71/10,000, 95% CI 0.44-1.14; p < .001) or outpatient clinics (0.24/10,000, 95% CI 0.08-0.65; p < .001) and significantly higher in inpatient wards than outpatient clinics (p = .043). The use of electronic positive patient identification (ePPID) systems was associated with a significantly lower WBIT proportion in the ED (odds ratio, OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11-0.96, p = .041), but not in inpatient wards (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.20-1.01, p = .054) or outpatient clinics (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 0.39-9.74, p = .415). DISCUSSION: Normalized for the number of samples drawn per location, the WBIT proportion in EDs was 1.7 times higher than inpatient wards and 5.1 times higher than outpatient clinics. EDs represent higher-risk clinical locations for WBIT errors, and electronic positive patient identification (ePPID) may provide a greater impact on safety in EDs relative to other clinical areas.

Sites of blood collection and topical antiseptics associated with contaminated cultures: prospective observational study.

We aimed to determine whether puncture sites for blood sampling and topical disinfectants are associated with rates of contaminated blood cultures in the emergency department (ED) of a single institution. This single-center, prospective observational study of 249 consecutive patients aged ≥ 20 years proceeded in the ED of a university hospital in Japan during 6 months. Pairs of blood samples were collected for aerobic and anaerobic culture from all patients in the ED. Physicians selected puncture sites and topical disinfectants according to their personal preference. We found 50 (20.1%) patients with potentially contaminated blood cultures. Fifty-six (22.5%) patients were true bacteremia and 143 (57.4%) patients were true negatives. Multivariate analysis associated more frequent contamination when puncture sites were disinfected with povidone-iodine than with alcohol/chlorhexidine (adjusted risk difference, 12.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.8-16.9; P < 0.001). Sites of blood collection were also associated with contamination. Femoral and central venous with other sites were associated with contamination more frequently than venous sites (adjusted risk difference), 13.1% (95% CI 8.2-17.9; P < 0.001]) vs. 17.3% (95% CI 3.6-31.0; P = 0.013). Rates of contaminated blood cultures were significantly higher when blood was collected from femoral sites and when povidone-iodine was the topical antiseptic.

Pain Control with Lavender Oil in Premature Infants: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study.

Objectives: Aromatherapy has become popular in pain control in recent years compared with other complementary methods. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Miller) is a fragrant essential oil used in aromatherapy for its antibacterial, antifungal, muscle-relaxing, and analgesic effects. The smell of lavender oil, known for its soothing effect on adults, has not been adequately investigated in regards to pain control in premature infants. The purpose of our study was to assign the effect of the scent of lavender oil on pain in preterm infants during heel lancing. Design: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical study. Settings/Location: The study was conducted in a third-level neonatal intensive care unit of Bezmialem Vakif University Hospital from March 2019 to November 2019. It consisted of two groups. Subjects: Sixty-one premature babies (24-37 weeks of gestation) were enrolled in the study. Interventions: Heel stick sampling for metabolic screening was used for both study groups. The interventions were performed by two experienced nurses. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and the baby's facial expression were recorded by a camera 3 min before the intervention, during the sampling, and 3 min after the procedure. After collecting the data, the head researcher and the assistant researcher separately watched the videos and scored them by using the Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised (PIPP-R). Outcome measures: The difference of pain scores (PIIP-R) between two groups. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of PIPP-R scores during and after the sampling (p = 0.008 and p = 0.03 respectively). The PIPP-R scores at the beginning of the procedure were not found to be significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Inhalation of lavender scent is effective in pain control in premature infants. It is safe and low cost; it does not interfere with medical care.

Blood sampling from peripherally inserted central catheter is effective and safe for patients with head and neck cancers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity of laboratory tests for blood sampling from a peripherally inserted central catheter. METHODS: A total of 22 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers were enrolled. In total, 101 paired blood samples were taken both via venipuncture and peripherally inserted central catheter for hematology and biochemistry testing. Paired t tests and linear correlation analysis were used to evaluate the results. Blood sampling-related pain was recorded by visual analogue scales and numerical rating scales. Infusion occlusion, hemolysis, and catheter-related blood stream infection were also recorded. RESULTS: The peripherally inserted central catheter-associated test results were slightly lower than those with venipuncture. Some parameters differed more than others. However, the degree of difference was less than 5% for every pair. There was a high correlation between the test results with two methods of blood sampling with the representative equation approximately being "y = x." According to visual analogue scales and numerical rating scale analysis, the pain degree with peripherally inserted central catheter was significantly lower than that of the venipuncture (p < 0.001). No case of infusion occlusion, catheter-related blood stream infection was reported with both methods. Hemolysis rate in blood samples from peripherally inserted central catheter (1/101) was much lower than that seen with venipuncture (11/101) with significant difference (p = 0.0056). CONCLUSION: Blood sampling via peripherally inserted central catheter and venipuncture showed equivalent reliability in laboratory testing. Compared with venipuncture, blood sampling via peripherally inserted central catheter causes less pain and is safer. Blood sampling via peripherally inserted central catheter is strongly recommended for clinical use.

Analysis of vasovagal syncope in the blood collection room in patients undergoing phlebotomy.

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is well-known to occur in patients undergoing phlebotomy, however, there have been no large-scale studies of the incidence of VVS in the blood collection room. The aim of our present retrospective study was to investigate the conditions of phlebotomy and determine the incidence/factors predisposing to the development of VVS. We investigated 677,956 phlebotomies performed in outpatients in the blood collection room, to explore factors predisposing to the development of VVS. Our analysis revealed an overall incidence of VVS of 0.004% and suggested that use of more than 5 blood collection tubes and a waiting time of more than 15 min were associated with a higher risk of VVS. The odds ratios of these factors were 8.10 (95% CI 3.76-17.50) and 3.69 (95% CI 0.87-15.60), respectively. This is the large-scale study to analyze factors of the development of VVS in the blood collection room, and according to our results, use of a large number of blood collection tubes and a prolonged waiting time for phlebotomy may be risk factors for the development of VVS.

A Narrative Review on Hospital-Acquired Anemia: Keeping Blood where It Belongs.

Hospital-acquired anemia (HAA) is a prevalent condition that is independently associated with worse clinical outcomes including prolongation of hospital stay and increased morbidity and mortality. While multifactorial in general, iatrogenic blood loss has been long recognized as one of the key contributing factors to development and worsening of HAA during hospital stay. Patients can be losing over 50 mL of blood per day to diagnostic blood draws. Strategies such as elimination of unnecessary laboratory tests that are not likely to alter the course of management, use of pediatric-size or small-volume tubes for blood collection to reduce phlebotomy volumes and avoid blood wastage, use of closed blood sampling devices, and substituting invasive tests with point-of-care testing alone or bundled together have generally been shown to be effective in reducing the volume of iatrogenic blood loss, hemoglobin decline, and blood transfusions, with no negative impact on the availability of test results for the clinical team. These strategies are important components of Patient Blood Management programs and their adoption can lead to improved clinical outcomes for patients.

Pneumatic tube system transport and false hyperkalemia related to leukocytosis: a retrospective analysis.

Extreme leukocytosis may lead to false hyperkalemia when blood samples are conveyed by pneumatic tube system (PTS). The aim of this study was to define whether even moderate leukocytosis and also non malignancy cells like neutrophils may influence potassium values after PTS transportation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Uncentrifuged blood samples are sent to the local laboratory through PTS. Data were retrospectively collected from routine testing carried out on all specimens arrived in the laboratory between September 2017 and March 2018. Clinical chemistry testing is routinely performed using lithium-heparin tubes. When false hyperkalemia induced by leukocytosis is suspected, potassium measurement is then performed in serum (clotting activator tubes) or whole blood samples. The analysis was focused on samples with both leukocytosis (i.e., >15×109/L) and plasma potassium >5.0 mmol/L, before any corrective therapeutic measure to lower potassium levels was established. RESULTS: A total number of 18 samples were included in our analysis, 9 drawn from patients with hematologic malignancies and 9 without. In the 9 patients without hematologic malignancies (median leukocyte count, 20.4×109/L), the median potassium value was 5.4 mmol/L in plasma and 4.5 mmol/L in serum or whole blood. In the 9 patients with hematologic malignancies (median leukocyte count, 151.9×109/L; p <0.001), the median potassium value was 7.7 mmol/L in plasma and 4.3 mmol/L in serum or whole blood (median difference, 2.9 mmol/L; p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that even modest leukocytosis (i.e., around 15x109/L), which can be frequently encountered in clinical practice, may be associated with a significant variation of plasma potassium. This would lead us to conclude that plasma samples transportation by PTS should be avoided in patients with even mild leukocytosis.

Alternatives to subcutaneous injection of amino-amide or amino-ester anesthetics before arterial puncture for blood gas analysis: a systematic review. / Alternativas anestésicas a la inyección de amidas por vía subcutánea en punciones arteriales para gasometría: una revisión sistemática.

OBJECTIVES: Arterial puncture for blood gas analysis is a painful procedure in the emergency department (ED). Local subcutaneous injection of anesthetics containing amino amides or esters is the usual painrelief technique applied before arterial puncture, but it is little used in some care settings, such as the ED. We aimed to analyze the literature on anesthetic approaches other than the traditional one of local injection of amino-amide or amino-ester compounds for pain relief during arterial puncture and to assess the efficacy of the alternatives. MATERIAL AND METHODS: . A systematic review of the literature was conducted in 6 bibliographic databases. We selected randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in English or Spanish between 2000 and 2018. The trials compared self-reported pain immediately after arterial puncture for blood gas analysis. Some form of anesthesia other than local injection of an amino-amide or -ester compound was compared to another anesthetic technique, placebo, or no anesthetic. RESULTS: We found 16 RCTs. Four compared the effect of topical anesthetic creams containing amino amides and/or amino esters, two assessed ultrasound-guided puncture, four used small-caliber needles or special syringes, one used a needle-free high-pressure anesthetic injection system, and five studied cryoanesthesia by application of ice or aerosols. CONCLUSION: The only effective alternative approaches to pain relief during arterial puncture for blood gas analysis were the use of very fine-caliber needles, the use of needle-free pressure injectors for subcutaneous delivery of amino amides, and the application of ice for at least 3 minutes.

OBJETIVO: La punción arterial para gasometría es una técnica dolorosa. La estrategia anestésica de elección consiste en la inyección local de amidas o esteres por vía subcutánea, pero resulta poco frecuente en algunos ámbitos asistenciales, como los servicios de urgencias. El objetivo de este trabajo es en describir las estrategias anestésicas distintas a la técnica clásica de inyección local de amidas o esteres y evaluar su eficacia en la punción arterial para gasometría. METODO: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura a través de 6 bases de datos bibliográficas. Fueron seleccionados ensayos clínicos publicados entre 2000 y 2018, en inglés o español, que comparasen el dolor autopercibido por el paciente inmediatamente después de una punción arterial para gasometría en función de si se les aplicó alguna medida anestésica diferente a la inyección subcutánea de amidas o esteres frente a otro procedimiento anestésico local, un placebo o ninguna intervención anestésica. RESULTADOS: Se localizaron 16 ensayos clínicos aleatorizados: 4 evaluaron la aplicación de anestésicos tópicos compuestos a base de esteres o amidas, 2 la punción ecoguiada, 4 el empleo de agujas de pequeño calibre o jeringuillas especiales, 1 el uso de inyectores a presión sin aguja y 5 la crioanestesia mediante hielo o aerosoles. CONCLUSIONES: Tan sólo el uso de agujas de calibre muy fino, la sustitución de jeringuillas clásicas por inyectores a presión sin aguja para la administración de amidas o esteres subcutáneas o la aplicación previa de hielo durante al menos 3 minutos se mostraron eficaces en la reducción del dolor derivado de la punción arterial para gasometría.

Ultrasound guidance in difficult radial artery puncture for blood gas analysis: A prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound (US) guidance has yet to prove its applicability in radial arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA) punctures. The main objective of our study was to compare the number of first-attempt successes (NFAS) for radial arterial puncture in difficult patients with or without US guidance. The Secondary aims were to compare the number of punctures (NOP), puncture time, and patient pain. METHODS: In this single-center, randomized controlled trial, patients who required a radial ABGA and in whom the arterial puncture was assessed as difficult (because of non-palpable radial arteries or two previous puncture failures by a nurse) were assigned to the US group or no-US (NUS) group (procedure performed by a trained physician). RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were included in the US group and 37 in the NUS groups. The NFAS was 7 (19%) in the NUS group and 19 (53%) in the US group. The relative risk of success in the US group was 2.79 (95% CI,1.34 to 5.82), p = 0.01. In the NUS and US groups, respectively, the median NOP was 3 [2; 6] vs. 1 [1; 2], estimated difference -2.0 (95%CI, -3.4 to -0.6), p < 0.01; the respective puncture time was 3.1 [1.6; 5.4] vs. 1.4 [0.6; 3.1] min, estimated difference -1.45 (95%CI, -2.57 to -0.39), p = 0.01; the respective median patient pain was 6 [4; 8] vs. 2 [1; 4], estimated difference -4.0 (95%CI, -5.8 to -2.3); p < 0.01. CONCLUSION: US guidance by a trained physician significantly improves the rate of success in difficult radial ABGA patients.

A safety lancet for neonatal blood spot tests: a design that facilitates pain-free, atraumatic samples.

Safety lancets are used to collect capillary blood samples to test if neonates have rare but serious congenital conditions, such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, congenital hypothyroidism and inherited metabolic diseases. Blood samples are taken from the heel, but the procedure can cause the neonate pain or discomfort, as well as a risk of local trauma to the nerves and blood vessels, bleeding, infection and scarring. This article explores the need for blood sampling in neonates, discusses the procedure and outlines the types of lancets available. It describes the Neoheel Safety Lancet (Smiths Medical), whose features are designed to avoid pain and trauma during the procedure. Three case studies are included to describe its use in clinical practice.

Iohexol-measured glomerular filtration rate in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease: a pilot study comparing venous and finger stick methods.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of glomerular filtration rate by iohexol disappearance (iGFR) has become a gold standard in the pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) population. The need for serial phlebotomy can be difficult and minimizing venipunctures would be beneficial. Furthermore, finger stick collection for dried blood spot (DBS) may be more tolerable in the pediatric population, and equivalence between these two methods may further simplify the process. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in children and adolescents 1 to 21 years with stages I-IV CKD. Iohexol was infused and blood drawn 10, 30, 120, and 300 min later. Blood spots on filter paper were collected by finger stick after each of the latter two blood draws. The rate of iohexol plasma disappearance was used to calculate GFR. Pearson's correlation coefficient and bias, Students t test, and Bland-Altman graphical representations were used to compare methods. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were recruited. The mean creatinine was 1.13 mg/dL (SD 0.45), the mean 4-point iGFR was 73.2 ml/min/1.73m2 (SD 27.5) and the mean 2-point iGFR was 75.6 ml/min/1.73m2 (SD 27.3). Correlation between 2-point and 4-point venous GFR was r = 0.97; p < 0.001. The correlation between the DBS and the 2-point venous GFR was r = 0.95; p < 0.001, with no significant bias. Ninety-four percent of the 2-point GFR's were within 10% of the 4-point GFR's and 80% of DBS-GFRs were within 10% of the 2-point GFR's. CONCLUSIONS: The 2-point iGFR was highly correlated and agreed well with the 4-point iGFR. The same was true for the DBS method and the 2-point venous method. DBS sampling by finger stick sampling at 2 time points after iohexol infusion gave an acceptably accurate measurement of GFR.

Preparation of leukoreduced whole blood for transfusion in austere environments; effects of forced filtration, storage agitation, and high temperatures on hemostatic function.

BACKGROUND: Damage control resuscitation principles advocate the use of blood to treat traumatic hemorrhage. Hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield, but making blood components available far forward presents logistical challenges due to shelf life and storage requirements. Whole blood simplifies logistics and enables collection in the field but can cause leukocyte-related transfusion reactions. A field-adapted leukoreduction system must be fast and safe, and storage of whole blood should preserve hemostatic function. METHODS: Blood was collected using Imuflex WB-SP and leukoreduced at 0, 150, or 300 mm Hg. Additional bags were stored at 4°C for 21 days unagitated, mixed daily, agitated or head-over-heel rotated, at 22°C for 3 days, or 32°C for 2 hours. Hematology, coagulation, CD62P/CD42b, thromboelastography (TEG)/thromboelastometry (ROTEM), and Multiplate was performed. RESULTS: Filtration time was 35 ± 1, 14 ± 0, and 9 ± 0 minutes at 0, 150, and 300 mm Hg, respectively. One of 10 units at 150 mm Hg and 4 of 11 at 300 mm Hg had residual whole blood cells greater than 5.0 × 10 per unit. One of 11 at 300 mm Hg had platelet recovery of less than 80%. Hemolysis was less than 0.2%. Filtration decreased thromboelastography/thromboelastometry and Multiplate aggregation response. Stored at 4°C, α and MA/MCF moderately decreased regardless of mixing. Significant loss of aggregation response and increased CD62P expression was seen by Day 10. By Day 3, storage at 22°C caused loss of most aggregation. Two-hour storage at 32°C did not significantly affect hemostatic capacity. CONCLUSION: Forced filtration reduced leukoreduction time, but increased residual whole blood cells reduced hemostatic function. Aggregation response deteriorated early in storage, while viscoelastic assays decreased more gradually. Mixing showed no benefits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study, level IV.

Letter to the editor: blood processing and sample storage have negligible effects on methylation.

DNA methylation is a dynamic epigenetic mechanism. Researchers aiming to assess archived DNA samples are expressing concern about the effect of technical factors on methylation, as this may confound results. We reviewed recent reports examining this issue in blood samples and concluded that variation in collection, storage, and processing of blood DNA confers negligible effects on both global methylation and methylation status of specific genes. These results are concordant with studies that have investigated the effect of sample storage and processing on methylation in other tissues, such as tumour, sperm, and placenta samples.

Automatic wedge smears preparation may cause traumatic morphological changes in peripheral blood cells.

In recent years, several automated analysers that prepare and stain blood smears have been introduced in clinical laboratories. Despite the use of instrumental settings based on physical characteristic of individual samples, traumatic injuries of neutrophil and lymphocytes can be observed. Some samples present a very high percentage of damaged cells, allowing the speculation that a cellular susceptibility may enhance mechanical traumatism. These artefacts can puzzle morphological evaluation in both traditional and digitised microscopy; in addition, unskilled operators can be misled.

Stability of Proteins in Dried Blood Spot Biobanks.

An important motivation for the construction of biobanks is to discover biomarkers that identify diseases at early, potentially curable stages. This will require biobanks from large numbers of individuals, preferably sampled repeatedly, where the samples are collected and stored under conditions that preserve potential biomarkers. Dried blood samples are attractive for biobanking because of the ease and low cost of collection and storage. Here we have investigated their suitability for protein measurements. Ninety-two proteins with relevance for oncology were analyzed using multiplex proximity extension assays (PEA) in dried blood spots collected on paper and stored for up to 30 years at either +4 °C or -24 °C.Our main findings were that (1) the act of drying only slightly influenced detection of blood proteins (average correlation of 0.970), and in a reproducible manner (correlation of 0.999), (2) detection of some proteins was not significantly affected by storage over the full range of three decades (34 and 76% of the analyzed proteins at +4 °C and -24 °C, respectively), whereas levels of others decreased slowly during storage with half-lives in the range of 10 to 50 years, and (3) detectability of proteins was less affected in dried samples stored at -24 °C compared with at +4 °C, as the median protein abundance had decreased to 80 and 93% of starting levels after 10 years of storage at +4 °C or -24 °C, respectively. The results of our study are encouraging as they suggest an inexpensive means to collect large numbers of blood samples, even by the donors themselves, and to transport, and store biobanked samples as spots of whole blood dried on paper. Combined with emerging means to measure hundreds or thousands of protein, such biobanks could prove of great medical value by greatly enhancing discovery as well as routine analysis of blood biomarkers.

CTC-mRNA (AR-V7) Analysis from Blood Samples-Impact of Blood Collection Tube and Storage Time.

Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are an emerging resource for monitoring cancer biomarkers. New technologies for CTC isolation and biomarker detection are increasingly sensitive, however, the ideal blood storage conditions to preserve CTC-specific mRNA biomarkers remains undetermined. Here we tested the preservation of tumour cells and CTC-mRNA over time in common anticoagulant ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) and acid citrate dextrose solution B (Citrate) blood tubes compared to preservative-containing blood tubes. Blood samples spiked with prostate cancer cells were processed after 0, 24, 30, and 48 h storage at room temperature. The tumour cell isolation efficiency and the mRNA levels of the prostate cancer biomarkers androgen receptor variant 7 (AR-V7) and total AR, as well as epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) were measured. Spiked cells were recovered across all storage tube types and times. Surprisingly, tumour mRNA biomarkers were readily detectable after 48 h storage in EDTA and Citrate tubes, but not in preservative-containing tubes. Notably, AR-V7 expression was detected in prostate cancer patient blood samples after 48 h storage in EDTA tubes at room temperature. This important finding presents opportunities for measuring AR-V7 expression from clinical trial patient samples processed within 48 h-a much more feasible timeframe compared to previous recommendations.

Use of self-collected capillary blood samples for islet autoantibody screening in relatives: a feasibility and acceptability study.

AIMS: To evaluate the feasibility of using self-collected capillary blood samples for islet autoantibody testing to identify risk in relatives of people with Type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Participants were recruited via the observational TrialNet Pathway to Prevention study, which screens and monitors relatives of people with Type 1 diabetes for islet autoantibodies. Relatives were sent kits for capillary blood collection, with written instructions, an online instructional video link and a questionnaire. Sera from capillary blood samples were tested for autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase, islet antigen-2, insulin and zinc transporter 8. 'Successful' sample collection was defined as obtaining sufficient volume and quality to provide definitive autoantibody results, including confirmation of positive results by repeat assay. RESULTS: In 240 relatives who returned samples, the median (range) age was 15.5 (1-49) years and 51% were male. Of these samples, 98% were sufficient for glutamic acid decarboxylase, islet antigen-2 and zinc transporter 8 autoantibody testing and 84% for insulin autoantibody testing and complete autoantibody screen. The upper 90% confidence bound for unsuccessful collection was 4.4% for glutamic acid decarboxylase, islet antigen-2 and/or zinc transporter 8 autoantibody assays, and 19.3% for insulin autoantibodies. Despite 43% of 220 questionnaire respondents finding capillary blood collection uncomfortable or painful, 82% preferred home self-collection of capillary blood samples compared with outpatient venepuncture (90% of those aged <8 years, 83% of those aged 9-18 years and 73% of those aged >18 years). The perceived difficulty of collecting capillary blood samples did not affect success rate. CONCLUSIONS: Self-collected capillary blood sampling offers a feasible alternative to venous sampling, with the potential to facilitate autoantibody screening for Type 1 diabetes risk.

Carotid Catheterization and Automated Blood Sampling Induce Systemic IL-6 Secretion and Local Tissue Damage and Inflammation in the Heart, Kidneys, Liver and Salivary Glands in NMRI Mice.

Automated blood sampling through a vascular catheter is a frequently utilized technique in laboratory mice. The potential immunological and physiological implications associated with this technique have, however, not been investigated in detail. The present study compared plasma levels of the cytokines IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, GM-CSF, IFN-γ and TNF-α in male NMRI mice that had been subjected to carotid artery catheterization and subsequent automated blood sampling with age-matched control mice. Body weight and histopathological changes in the surgical area, including the salivary glands, the heart, brain, spleen, liver, kidneys and lungs were compared. Catheterized mice had higher levels of IL-6 than did control mice, but other cytokine levels did not differ between the groups. No significant difference in body weight was found. The histology revealed inflammatory and regenerative (healing) changes at surgical sites of all catheterized mice, with mild inflammatory changes extending into the salivary glands. Several catheterized mice had multifocal degenerative to necrotic changes with inflammation in the heart, kidneys and livers, suggesting that thrombi had detached from the catheter tip and embolized to distant sites. Thus, catheterization and subsequent automated blood sampling may have physiological impact. Possible confounding effects of visceral damage should be assessed and considered, when using catheterized mouse models.

Learning curve of vessel cannulation in rats using cumulative sum analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular access routes are widely used for administering agents or taking blood samples in rodents. Vessel cannulation in rats is a technically challenging procedure with a risk for significant complications. The use of cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis allows continuous monitoring of the performer's outcomes to evaluate the learning curve for a particular procedure. The aim of the present study was to assess a researcher's learning curve in the cannulation of the jugular and femoral vein in rats using CUSUM analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single researcher performed two hundred microsurgical operations between September 2012 and September 2013. The animals (male Wistar rats) were anesthetized with isoflurane whereas the right jugular vein and the left femoral vein were catheterized. Prospective data were collected and analyzed using CUSUM analysis. For the purposes of the study, the rat population was divided in four groups based on the order of studies; group 1 represents the first 50 animals cannulated, group 2 the next batch of 50 animals, and so forth. RESULTS: The operating times required for cannulation of the jugular vein for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 24.6 ± 4.8, 15.9 ± 2.5, 15.2 ± 3.2, and 15.7 ± 3.3 min, respectively. Group 1's operating time was significantly longer than all the other groups (P < 0.001 compared with all other groups). The operating times for groups 2, 3, and 4 did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). The cannulation of the femoral vein required a mean of 32 ± 5.3 min for group 1, 24.9 ± 5.7 min for group 2, 18.4 ± 4 min for group 3, and 17.2 ± 3.4 min for group 4. The operating time of group 1 was significantly longer when compared with all groups (P < 0.001 for all groups). Group 2 also had a longer operating time than groups 3 and 4 (P < 0.001 compared with both groups). Groups 3 and 4 did not show any statistical significant difference when their operating time was compared (P > 0.05). CUSUM analysis suggested that the number of cases required to achieve the required experience to most effectively cannulate the jugular and femoral vein is approximately 50 and 100 cases, respectively. The adverse effects of the procedure included two unexpected deaths, both of which occurred in group 1 (0.5% in total). CONCLUSIONS: The authors' experience regarding the learning curve of the cannulation of the femoral and jugular vein in rats from 200 animals operated over a period of 1 y for the evaluation of the pharmacokinetic properties of drug candidates suggests significant experience is required to optimize the operating time required for the procedure.