Impact of Delayed Blood Transport on Neonatal Serum Bilirubin Levels
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: The Effect of Delayed Transportation of Blood Samples on Serum Bilirubin Values in Neonates
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Poovendran Saththasivam, Kirtanaa Voralu, Noraida Ramli, Mohd Rafi Mustapha, Julia Omar, Hans Van Rostenberghe
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: The Effect of Delayed Transportation of Blood Samples on Serum Bilirubin Values in Neonates
Year: 2010
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Delays in the transportation of blood samples can significantly impact the accuracy of laboratory test results, particularly for serum bilirubin levels, which are crucial in managing neonatal jaundice. Unconjugated bilirubin is particularly sensitive to light, and while it is believed that transportation delays may lead to its degradation, the specific effects on bilirubin measurements had not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to systematically examine how different transportation intervals affect serum bilirubin levels in neonates, as inaccurate bilirubin testing could influence treatment decisions, risking either under-treatment or unnecessary interventions.
Impact of Transportation Delays on Bilirubin Levels
The findings from a cohort of 36 neonate serum samples revealed significant differences in indirect bilirubin measurements after delays in transportation. Specifically, the mean indirect bilirubin levels for samples sent after 1 hour (186.97 μmol/L) and 3 hours (184.56 μmol/L) showed notable increases compared to the immediately transported samples (174.56 μmol/L), with statistical significance reported (P = 0.047 and P = 0.045, respectively). While there were no significant changes in total or direct bilirubin levels, a substantial portion of samples exhibited variability where some results were markedly different post-delay. This underscores the erratic nature of bilirubin stability and the challenges in relying on delayed measurements when managing neonatal jaundice.
Conclusion
The study confirmed that transportation delays can lead to inconsistent and sometimes erroneous bilirubin test results, potentially affecting clinical decision-making regarding the initiation or cessation of phototherapy in neonates. Given the unpredictable nature of bilirubin levels post-transportation, establishing a reliable adjustment formula for delayed samples poses significant challenges. The findings emphasize the necessity for timely blood sample processing to ensure accurate bilirubin assessments and appropriate treatment for newborns with jaundice, highlighting the importance of minimizing delays in laboratory protocols.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What effect do transportation delays have on bilirubin test results?
Delays in transporting blood samples can significantly influence indirect bilirubin levels, leading to inaccurate test results. The study found that values after 1- and 3-hour delays were significantly different from those taken immediately.
How were the blood samples collected for the bilirubin study?
Blood samples were collected from neonates through venipuncture into three containers. The first was sent immediately, while the second and third were delayed by 1 hour and 3 hours, respectively, before testing.
Why is accurate bilirubin testing important for neonates?
Accurate bilirubin testing is crucial because it directly impacts treatment decisions for neonatal jaundice, such as the initiation of phototherapy, to prevent risks like bilirubin encephalopathy or unnecessary separation from the mother.
What were the findings regarding direct and total bilirubin levels?
The study found no significant differences in total or direct bilirubin levels across different time intervals, indicating that transportation delays primarily affected indirect bilirubin measurements rather than total or direct bilirubin values.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Impact of Delayed Blood Transport on Neonatal Serum Bilirubin Levels”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body that carries oxygen, nutrients, and waste products. In this study, blood samples from neonates were crucial for determining serum bilirubin levels, which are essential for diagnosing and managing conditions like neonatal jaundice. The integrity of blood samples during transportation affects laboratory test outcomes significantly.
2) Study (Studying):
The study is a research project aimed at understanding the effects of delays in blood sample transportation on bilirubin test results. It provides insights into how such delays can influence clinical decisions regarding neonatal care. The findings emphasize the importance of timely processing of blood samples in healthcare.
3) Measurement:
Measurement refers to the determination of the concentration of bilirubin in blood samples. Accurate measurement is critical in diagnosing conditions like jaundice in neonates. The study utilized colorimetric methods to assess bilirubin levels, illustrating the importance of precise analytical techniques in clinical labs to inform treatment decisions.
4) Container:
A container in this context refers to the vials used to collect and transport blood samples. Different containers were used for immediate testing and delayed testing. The type and handling of containers can impact sample integrity and the accuracy of subsequent laboratory measurements, particularly with sensitive analytes like bilirubin.
5) Table:
Table refers to the organized presentation of data, specifically showing the results of bilirubin levels across different time intervals. In the study, tables summarized key findings, making it easier for researchers and clinicians to understand the effects of transportation delays on bilirubin measurements effectively.
6) Calculation:
Calculation is the process used to determine the necessary sample size and analyze the test results statistically. In the study, calculations were essential for establishing significant differences in bilirubin levels at various time points, ensuring the research findings were statistically valid and could inform clinical practices.
7) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of creating solutions to improve laboratory practices or patient care. In the study, it suggests the potential for creating guidelines or formulas to adjust bilirubin results based on transportation delays, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to manage inaccuracies in medical testing.
8) New Delhi:
New Delhi serves as a geographical reference in the document, indicating a location associated with health organizations like the World Health Organization. This context points to global health efforts and guidelines pertinent to clinical chemistry and laboratory practices, indicating its relevance in shaping health policies and procedures.
9) Quality:
Quality pertains to the standard of accuracy and reliability in laboratory testing. In this study, ensuring quality in bilirubin measurement is crucial for effective neonatal care. Delays can compromise test quality, leading to incorrect treatment decisions. Thus, maintaining high quality in sample handling and testing is a priority.
10) Cancer:
While the term 'cancer' is mentioned in the context of citations, its relevance in this study lies in the general implications of laboratory results. Accurate measurements are essential not only for jaundice treatment but also for conditions like cancer, where timely and correct test results can significantly impact patient outcomes.
11) Delhi:
Delhi refers to the broader geographical area associated with the health guidelines discussed in the document. This connection highlights the influence of regional health authorities on best practices in clinical laboratory settings, emphasizing the importance of adherence to quality standards in all healthcare settings.
12) Hand:
Hand, in this context, symbolizes the aspect of human involvement in laboratory processes, including the handling and transportation of blood samples. Proper handling is crucial for maintaining the integrity of biological specimens. This study underscores the necessity for trained professionals to manage samples correctly to ensure reliable test results.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Impact of Delayed Blood Transport on Neonatal Serum Bilirubin Levels’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medical science, Time factor, Financial support, Transportation, Research project, Significant difference, Standard operating procedure, Ethical committee, Statistical Significance, Sample size calculation, Serum bilirubin, Laboratory analysis, Indirect bilirubin, Bilirubin, Mean and standard deviation, Neonatal jaundice, Blood sample collection, Serum bilirubin level, Bilirubin level, Total bilirubin, Biochemical methods, Test results, Blood sample, Inform consent, Phototherapy treatment, Technical support, Venipuncture, Logistic Support, Direct bilirubin, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Administrative support, Authors contribution, Study material, Statistical expertise, Significant difference in, In the laboratory, Study was.