In 25 clinical samples serum lidocaine concentrations fell from a mean of 6.5 +/- 2.1 mg/L (mean +/- SD) to 4.9 +/- 1.8 mg/L (p less than 0.001) when the blood sample was allowed to make contact with the stopper of the Vacutainer collection tube. In vitro experiments showed that this effect of the stopper occurred only with whole blood and was dependent on sample concentration. The plasma bindi...

A method has been tested in laboratory mice to monitor for the presence of brevetoxins in blood after exposure. The use of blood collection cards is an adaptation of a method employed for routine diagnostic and genetic testing of newborns. Blood is collected and applied to a 0.5-inch diameter circle on a specially prepared blood collection card and allowed to dry. The blood spots are then extra...

Introduction / objectives At the Institute, blood cultures are drawn by doctors. Since 2009, more than 5% of blood cultures grew organisms as contaminant and was a concern to the Infection Control Committee. Our target is to reduce to 3% to meet the standard set by the American Society of Microbiology. The objectives of the clinical education are to enforce best practices in blood culture colle...