Solution

With VitalQC, Drs. Joe El-Khoury and Christopher Koch could measure the effect of placing samples in foam padding inside the Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) carriers. The PTS transports samples from the NICU to the lab for analysis, but can introduce considerable vibration that can break down red blood cells. VitalQC measured how much the padding reduced overall vibration, which was expected to reduce hemolysis. Blood sample rejection was compared for samples sent with and without foam padding.

Results

Total vibration measured with VitalQC was 30% lower in padded carriers. The reduction in vibration led to the virtual elimination of sample rejection due to hemolysis: from 11% (17/150 samples) without padding to 0% (0/56) with foam padding.

With data from VitalQC, Yale New Haven gained the insights to support a new SOP to reduce sample rejections.

About Yale New Haven Hospital

Yale New Haven Hospital consistently ranks among the best hospitals in the United States.

Serving as the primary teaching hospital for Yale School of Medicine, YNHH is focused on educating the brightest young minds for medical leadership in clinical practice, teaching and research. YNHH has demonstrated its commitment to advancing medicine by developing, testing and introducing leading-edge technologies and treatments to the global medical community.