4. Consent, transportation, reqs and labels

What does consent mean in the context of blood collection?

Informed consent relates to the patient understanding the risks of the procedure.

What is implied consent?

Implied consent refers to situations that imply the patient agrees to having the procedure done without explicit agreement.

What is a chain of custody in blood collection?

It refers to the guidelines for holding a blood sample for law enforcement retrieval.

What does Bill C46 allow a peace officer to do?

Require a person to provide a blood sample if there are reasonable grounds to believe they are impaired.

Who is allowed to collect blood under the Criminal Code?

Qualified medical practitioners or qualified technicians such as RN’s and registered Medical Laboratory Technologists.

What must MLTs do if a patient refuses blood collection under Bill C46?

They should refuse to collect the sample without consent unless a warrant is presented.

What is the purpose of the Laboratory and Specimen Collection Centre Licensing Act, 1991?

It governs the collection of blood samples in impaired cases.

What are the types of blood specimens mentioned?

Whole blood, plasma, and serum.

How should whole blood specimens be handled?

Typically from tubes with no gel separator and an anticoagulant additive.

What occurs to blood cell metabolism after collection?

It continues, which can affect laboratory results.

How can chilling specimens help maintain their integrity?

It slows down metabolism, preserving the specimen for accurate results.

What should be done if a specimen requires serum or plasma only?

The sample may be aliquoted off into a non-additive tube.

What is the significance of prioritizing specimens?

It ensures that critical tests are conducted in a timely manner.

What does a 'STAT' order signify?

It indicates that the lab results are needed ASAP.

What is a common cause of a short draw during blood collection?

Difficult draws that result in not enough blood being collected.

What can cause a defective evacuated tube?

Issues such as an expired tube or manufacturing defects.

What should be done if a vein collapses during a collection?

End the procedure, select a different vein, and adjust the method.

What characterizes rolling veins?

Veins that roll excessively due to lack of connective tissue support.

What might indicate an improperly positioned needle?

Slow, intermittent, or stopped blood flow.

What does 'blowing the vein' refer to?

When the needle has passed through both sides of the vein.

How can the vacuum in collection tubes affect blood flow?

Excessive vacuum may pull the vein into the bevel, blocking blood flow.

What should you do if you miss the vein completely?

Remove the needle and attempt to collect at a different site.

What information does a requisition provide?

It specifies which tests to run or what samples to collect.

How is a requisition generated for outpatients?

It is filled out by a physician and brought to a collection facility.

What must requisitions or labels include for patient identification?

Full name, date of birth, ordering physician, and patient location.

What is crucial for maintaining specimen integrity during storage?

Avoiding room temperature for prolonged periods.

What type of tests may need protection from light?

Tests for vitamin A, B, and bilirubin.

What does it mean when specimens are labeled as 'urgent'?

They are needed sooner than routine tests but after STAT tests.

What is a potential issue when aliquoting specimens?

Attention to labeling is critical to avoid mix-ups.

What does the acronym CLSI stand for?

Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.

What temperature range is ideal for specimen storage?

2 to 8°C.

What role does a phlebotomist play in prioritizing specimen collection?

They determine the order of specimen collections based on urgency.

What are the consequences of using an expired evacuated tube?

It may not maintain the necessary vacuum for effective blood collection.

How is blood specimen transport managed in laboratories?

Specimens are transported according to specific handling requirements.

What is necessary to ensure proper patient identification?

Confirming with the patient and scanning identification labels.

What are the key components of Lifelabs operational procedures?

Processing requisitions and ensuring correct specimen labeling.

What happens to blood specimens that do not meet handling criteria?

They may be discarded or deemed invalid for testing.

How long can serum and plasma be stable when aliquoted and refrigerated?

Up to 1 week.

Why is it critical to check for duplicate requisitions?

To avoid unnecessary multiple punctures on the same patient.

What is the role of LIS software in the laboratory?

To manage patient information and track specimen orders.

What final steps should be taken after blood collection?

Label tubes, record collection details, and thank the patient.

What does test status (STAT, urgent, timed, routine) indicate?

The urgency and required timing of specimens to be collected.

What does a patient requisition typically include from the clinician?

Patient's demographics and additional clinical information.

Why do some lab tests require specified collection methods?

To ensure accurate results due to the nature of the tests.