What are some of the issues with using a pneumatic tube system for delivering blood products?
David Headings, Via Christi Regional Medical Center, has provided the following response: The overriding benefit for us in blood delivery via pneumatic tube system is the enormous savings of time it provides both for us and the nursing staff. We tube all our products routinely unless the system is not functioning (approx. 1800/month). Because of the size of one of our facilities, it may be a 10 minute walk to the Blood Bank from a nursing unit, and having staff available to come is always an issue for them. When nursing is ready for a product they call with the patient information, (i.e., name, unique armband number), nurse’s name and tube location. The dispensing tech records that information in the LIS, along with their own name and the results of the inspection of the unit. Upon receipt, the nurse signs the compatibility paper and records date and time. This form is then used to record vitals during infusion, as well as report of adverse reaction if any. When infusion is complete th
