Using smaller blood collection tubes to reduce transfusions in ICU patients with anemia
Effectiveness of Small Phlebotomy Tubes in Reducing Blood Transfusions in Adult Medical Intensive Care Unit and Intermediate Care Unit Patients With Anemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if using smaller blood collection tubes can help reduce the need for blood transfusions in adults with anemia who are in the ICU.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 688 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT05750654 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of small phlebotomy tubes in reducing the need for red blood cell transfusions in adult patients with anemia admitted to medical intensive care units (ICU) and intermediate care units (IMU). It compares outcomes such as ICU length of stay, mortality rates, and the overall acceptability of using smaller tubes versus standard-sized tubes. The goal is to determine if smaller tubes can help manage anemia more effectively while minimizing transfusion requirements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults admitted to the medical ICU or IMU with a hemoglobin level below 10 g/dL.
Not a fit: Patients with active clinical bleeding, hemolytic disorders, or those receiving comfort care measures will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to fewer blood transfusions for ICU patients, improving patient safety and outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific use of small phlebotomy tubes is novel, similar studies have shown that minimizing blood draws can reduce transfusion needs in critically ill patients.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Admission to the medical ICU or IMU. * Hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL. Exclusion Criteria: * Clinical bleeding. Defined as any bleeding needing an intervention. An intervention could be an increase in the frequency of hemoglobin monitoring, a transfusion, a procedure, or a consultation intended to prevent or treat bleeding. * Hemolytic disorder (e.g. sickle cell disease, hereditary spherocytosis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia). * Bone marrow disorder (e.g. aplastic anemia, leukemia, marrow infiltration disorder, chemotherapy within the last 8 weeks). * Jehovah's Witnesses. * Patient is comfort care measures only. * Refractory shock: Mean arterial blood pressure below 65 mmHg despite maximal doses of 3 vasopressors. Maximal dose of vasopressors are as follows: Norepinephrine 70 mcg/min; vasopressin 0.03 units/min; epinephrine 35 mcg/min; dopamine 20 mcg/kg/min; phenylephrine 350 mcg/min. * Severe acidosis: pH below 7 in more than one arterial blood gas in the past 24 hours, in the absence of diabetic ketoacidosis. * Surgical admission diagnosis. * Pregnancy. * Current prisoner
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Javier Barreda Garcia, MD — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Javier Barreda Garcia, MD
- Email: Javier.BarredaGarcia@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: 713-500-6828
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.