ABL800 FLEX Operator's Manual 12. Sampling
Causes of errors in preanalytical phase, Continued
Cause of error Major affected
parameters
Causes of error
(continued)
Preventative measures
Dilution from liquid
heparin
Electrolytes and
metabolites, cHCO
3
–
,
pCO
2
, ctHb,
Use preheparinized devices with
dry heparin.
Heparin
interference
Electrolytes,
especially cCa
2+
Use electrolyte-balanced heparin.
Arterial blood
mixed with venous
blood
pH, pO
2
, sO
2
Use proper sampling technique.
Instability of patient pH and blood gases
• Sample at least 20 minutes after
ventilatory adjustment
• Inform patient of procedure
Leakage from red
blood cells
cK
+
Store glass capillary samples for
maximum 30 minutes in cold
(0- 4 °C) condition.
Exposure to
artificial light or
sunlight
ctBil For patients receiving
phototherapy, lights should be
extinguished prior to drawing the
sample.
Inappropriate
amount of flush
solution is discarded
from the catheter
Electrolytes and
metabolites
Discard sufficient volume from
the catheter before taking a blood
sample.
Infusion solution
given in the same
arm
Electrolytes and
metabolites
Stop infusion for a period or use
another sampling site.
* CAUTION – Risk of incorrect results
Always remove air bubbles from a sample before introducing it into the
analyzer. Air bubbles may result in erroneous pO
2
values.
** CAUTION – Risk of clots
When measurements are flagged always conduct the operator actions
required by the troubleshooting program to prevent possible clots from
remaining in the sample path. Fluid path clots may cause erroneous
measurement results.
See also Recommended literature at the end of this chapter.
Continued on next page
12-3