PHLEB CHP 8 - Laboratory Equipment

Centrifuge

Laboratory machine that separates blood into components by spinning them at high speed.

Contains 6-8 tubes at a time.

Must be balanced.

Centrifugation is often required for specimens that…

must be aliquoted (typically serum-yielding).

Rapid-Results Devices for POCT

Designed to deliver quick test results in out of hospital settings. Minimal training and CLIA-waived.

Uses fingerstick blood samples.

When new, must preform QA program by checking expiration dates (QC test must be documented).

Some tests are: Glucose, PTT/aPTT, bilirubin, hCG, drug tests, electrolytes, PT/INR.

Equipment Maintenance

Follow manufacturer’s and laboratory guidelines.

Calibration.

Appropriate clean up before and after uses.

Check batteries and expiration dates.

Troubleshoot before reporting equipment as “out-of-service”.

Blood Smears

Laboratory technique in which a drop of blood (using DIFF-SAFE) of the blood sample is smeared across a glass slide to make a feathered edge in preparation for microscopic examination.

Smear at a 30-45 degree angle.