PSP Exam 2 Chp. 16

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding specimen handling, transport, and processing techniques necessary for maintaining specimen integrity in a laboratory setting.

Specimen Integrity

The overall quality and reliability of a specimen, affected by handling, transport, and processing.

Upright Transport

Samples should be transported upright to promote complete clot formation and reduce contamination.

Stability Time Frame

The period during which a specimen can remain viable and produce accurate laboratory results.

Temperature Requirements

Specific temperature ranges necessary to maintain specimen integrity during transport: room temp (20-25°C), refrigerated (2-8°C), and frozen (-20°C to -70°C).

Light Sensitive Analytes

Substances that degrade or change properties when exposed to light, requiring protection during transport.

Centrifuge Principle

A device that uses centrifugal force to separate components of a mixture based on density.

Accession Number

A unique identifier assigned to each specimen for cataloging and tracking in the laboratory.

Reasons for Specimen Rejection

Common causes for rejection include improper identification, hemolysis, incorrect tube types, inadequate volume, and contamination.

Aerosolization

The formation of aerosol particles that can occur during specimen processing, posing a biohazard risk.

Preparing Aliquots

The process of dividing a specimen into multiple containers for testing in different labs.