The impact of prehospital blood collection on time to laboratory test results and emergency department length of stay

Introduction: The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the impact of obtaining blood specimens in the prehospital setting versus drawing specimens in-hospital. Variables examined were length of time from arrival to laboratory result availability; specimen quality; and emergency department length of stay. Methods: A total of 101 patients were enrolled in the study and assigned to either prehospital group (n = 58) or the in-hospital group (n = 43). Clinical laboratory personnel were blinded to the study groups. Results: Patients in the experimental group had door-to-results times for complete blood cell counts of 26 min shorter than the control group (p < .004). Doorto- results times for serum chemistry studies were 28 min faster than controls (p < .02). There was no significant difference between groups for hemolysis. Conclusions: Collecting samples in the prehospital setting significantly shortens time to results, is not associated with an increase in hemolysis, and may decrease overall emergency department lengths of stay.