#None #Werfen #Bedford #Patient Care #Hemolysis

Werfen Highlights the Importance of Addressing Undetected Hemolysis

In a recent announcement, Werfen has expressed its support for a vital publication that sheds light on the dangers posed by undetected in vitro hemolysis in clinical settings. This multi-author Special Report, featured in the Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine (JALM), emphasizes the critical need for better education, testing, and prevention in high-risk environments like emergency departments and intensive care units. The report can be considered a clarion call for healthcare professionals to recognize and mitigate the risks associated with preanalytical errors arising from hemolysis.

Undetected hemolysis is a significant issue, often leading to misinterpretation of essential laboratory results, especially potassium measurements, which can have serious consequences for patient care. Annie Winkler, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Werfen, underscored the urgency of this situation, stating, "This important publication highlights the prevalence and risks of undetected hemolysis in whole blood samples, which can impact test results throughout the hospital."

Understanding Hemolysis

Hemolysis refers to the breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in the release of hemoglobin and other cellular contents into the plasma or serum. This process can artificially elevate potassium levels by as much as 152%, complicating diagnostic efforts. In clinical practice, normal potassium readings may appear elevated, leading to mismanagement of patient treatment, extended hospital stays, unnecessary sample recollections, and increased healthcare costs.

Alarmingly, studies indicate that hemolysis is a leading cause of preanalytical errors in laboratories, accounting for nearly 70% of such incidents. Reports show that in neonatal intensive care units, up to 50% of whole blood samples can be hemolyzed, while emergency departments may face rates as high as 20%.

Key Recommendations

The Special Report not only outlines the gravity of in vitro hemolysis but also offers a series of recommendations aimed at improving detection and management practices. It calls for a cohesive and systematic approach across hospitals to enhance patient care through timely identification of hemolysis issues.

The recommendations serve as a guideline for healthcare institutions to systematically address the challenges posed by hemolysis. This collaborative effort includes ensuring that all personnel are adequately trained in identifying hemolysis and understanding its implications. By focusing on education and streamlined testing protocols, healthcare facilities can greatly minimize the risks associated with undetected hemolysis.

Driving Technological Advancements

In response to this pressing issue, Werfen has pioneered innovative technology with the introduction of the GEM® Premier™ 7000 with iQM®3, a blood gas testing system capable of detecting hemolysis at the point of care in just 45 seconds. This means that healthcare providers can receive immediate feedback on the quality of blood samples, allowing for informed decision-making and more effective patient management.

"With innovative technology that detects hemolysis at the point of care in seconds, we can help hospitals expedite decision-making, enhance efficiency, and most importantly, improve patient management," added Dr. Winkler.

The GEM Premier 7000 also aids in boosting operational efficiency while simultaneously reducing costs, making it a standout solution in the healthcare landscape.

Werfen's commitment to tackling the challenges posed by undetected hemolysis reflects its ongoing dedication to patient safety and care. As a leader in Specialized Diagnostics, the company thrives on real-world collaboration with emergency medical professionals, ensuring that products are designed to meet the actual clinical needs of the healthcare community.

For those interested in diving deeper into the studies discussed and the contents of the Special Report, a comprehensive look can be accessed at the provided link: Handling Hemolytic Blood Samples from High-Risk Clinical Areas A Call to Action.

In light of the findings and recommendations put forth, it's clear that the healthcare community must prioritize the education and technological adaptation to better manage the implications of hemolysis in patient care. By doing so, we can aspire to achieve safer, more effective healthcare outcomes across the board.