Background. The present study sought to identify whether there were higher inflammatory cytokine levels in blood samples drawn from the pulmonary artery, radial artery, portal vein, or reperfused graft during each transplantation phase to determine the best site. Methods. We examined 39 consecutive patients undergoing liver transplantation for their blood cytokine levels at various sites. Comparison of levels permitted us to select the best blood sample draw site, considering the best site to be the one showing the highest cytokine levels. Results. During hepatectomy and neohepatic phases, the best site was the radial artery; during the anhepatic phase, the portal vein; and during reperfusion, the reperfused graft. Conclusions. The radial artery constituted, an optimal sample draw site, considering the best one to show the highest cytokine levels.
