Robbi, Back in the mid-90s, the lab I was working in implemented a complete automation system for the clinical lab that was incompatible with glass tubes. At that time, we did a parallel study between the glass and plastic vacutainers and found no significant differences between the vials. We tested assays in both the hematology and flow cytometry lab. Be sure to do the same study at your site as well before switching. Good luck. Kb ------------- Keith Bahjat, Ph.D. Applications Engineering Manager Cytomation, Inc. Fort Collins, Colorado (970) 226-2200 x223 me@keithbahjat.com On 12/2/01 3:04 PM, "Chance, Tim" <jtc3@CDC.GOV> wrote: > > I have not heard that BD was using plastic EDTS tubes, but cells, especially > ceratin population of WBC will stick to the plastic (unless its a special > plastic) This could really cause you problems. > Tim Chance > CDC > Atlanta, GA > > -----Original Message----- > From: Robbi.Montgomery@co.hennepin.mn.us > [mailto:Robbi.Montgomery@co.hennepin.mn.us] > Sent: Friday, November 30, 2001 9:21 AM > To: cyto-inbox > Subject: plastic tubes for CD4 counts > > > > I have just been told that BD is discontinuing glass EDTA vacutainer tubes > as of December 31, 2001 and that we will therefore be using plastic > vacutainer tubes to draw all EDTA tests, including CD4 counts. Has anyone > made this switch already? Have there been any problems? Did you do a > cross-over study? I have heard of problems for some chemistry and > coagulation assays using plastic heparin and sodium citrate tubes. > > Robbi Montgomery MT(ASCP)SI > Hennepin County Medical Center > Minneapolis, MN > robbi.montgomery@co.hennepin.mn.us >
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