ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES@#To determine the statistical agreement between hematocrit and platelet counts obtained via peripheral venous catheters and venous puncture. It also aims to compare the success rate of obtaining samples via PVC and the hemolysis rate between different gauges of IV catheter.@*DESIGN@#Prospective Cross-sectional Study.@*PARTICIPANTS@#Clinically stable patients admitted for dengue aged 1 to 18 years old and are eligible to be enrolled in the study. Twenty-two patients were enrolled and completed the study.@*INTERVENTION@#Paired samples of venous blood collection using venipuncture and PVC on the contralateral arm was done during daily serial CBC monitoring. Hematocrit and platelet values between the two methods were analyzed using Bland-Altman Analysis.@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#Statistical agreement of platelet and hematocrit levels obtained using PVC and Venipuncture.@*RESULTS@#We had 22 patients and a total of 67 paired samples. Out of the 67 samples submitted, two samples each from PVC (2.9%) and venipuncture (2.9%) were clotted. There was100% success rate in both methods at the first attempt of collection. None on the samples had hemolysis. On the average, hematocrit measurements from venipuncture are increased by 1.17 (units) compared to PVC, while platelet measurements from PVC are increased by 4.83 (units) compared to venipuncture. There is no significant difference in both platelet count and hematocrit between the two methods, demonstrating agreement between the two methods.@*CONCLUSIONS@#There is statistical agreement between samples drawn from PVC and venipuncture in terms of hematocrit and platelet counts in dengue pediatric patients. Success rate and hemolysis rates between the two methods are the same. PVC is an acceptable alternative to venipuncture.