Blood Samples from Midline Catheters: Clinically Equivalent to Venipuncture

Abstract

PowerGlide Pro™ Midline Catheters, manufactured by Becton Dickinson, are marketed as capable of obtaining blood specimens. However, there is insufficient research to validate the laboratory results collected from these specialty catheters. The purpose of this research study was to determine whether blood samples obtained via venipuncture and samples obtained directly from a midline catheter are clinically equivalent. A qualitative study was completed per recommendations published in Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standards EP-05-A3 to determine whether the 2 modalities are clinically equivalent. A 12-point correlation study was performed, comparing blood results from phlebotomy venipuncture and midline catheter blood draws for 20 successful participants. Results were compared with an EP Evaluator. Report interpretation was completed using the 2-instrument comparison module to determine whether the 2 methods were clinically equivalent. All correlated specimens resulted within the medically acceptable total allowable error, proving the 2 methods clinically equivalent. The study concluded that blood draws from midline catheters are clinically equivalent to venipuncture and are an acceptable form of specimen collection for laboratory studies.