Worksheet 8/9

Blood cultures are used to detect what in the blood?

Microorganisms (bacteria or fungi)

Blood culture bottles come in sets of two called what?

Aerobic and anaerobic bottles

What disinfectant is used after 70% alcohol when preparing a blood culture site?

Chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine

When using a butterfly needle, which blood culture bottle is filled first?

Aerobic bottle

How long should the site be observed after a blood culture draw?

30 seconds

Important steps before processing and transporting specimens?

Labeling, proper storage, timely transport, protect from light/temperature if required

Shaking a blood tube instead of gentle inversion may cause what?

Hemolysis

What happens if a specimen is not mixed well with anticoagulant?

Clotting

Examples of tests requiring special handling?

Ammonia, lactic acid, blood gases, bilirubin, cold agglutinins

Cold agglutinin samples must remain at what temperature?

37°C (body temperature)

Tests that must be wrapped in foil to protect from light?

Bilirubin, Vitamin B2, light-sensitive tests

How long can blood gases be stored at room temperature?

30 minutes

How long can blood gases be stored on ice?

1 hour

Coagulation specimens should be analyzed within how long of collection?

Within 1 hour

Plasma separation from cells must occur within what time frame?

2 hours

Should specimens be centrifuged more than once?

No

How long can serum and plasma remain at room temperature?

8 hours

Supplies needed to send specimens to a reference lab?

Biohazard bag, transport container, requisition form

What must be done before placing a specimen into a biohazard bag?

Ensure proper labeling and sealing

Which department processes blood cultures?

Microbiology

If a syringe is used, which blood culture bottle is filled first?

Anaerobic bottle

How long should the skin be scrubbed with alcohol before drawing blood cultures?

30 seconds

Two second disinfectants used before blood culture collection?

Chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine

Which disinfectant should not be used for patients allergic to shellfish?

Povidone-iodine

Blood culture draw site should be cleaned to what diameter?

2–3 inches

What should be done after drawing a lactic acid test?

Place the specimen on ice immediately

A sample may become what if the patient did not fast?

Lipemic

What can cause a hemolyzed sample?

Shaking tubes, small needle, excess tourniquet time, rough handling, hematoma draw, temperature extremes

Minimum PPE required when aliquoting specimens?

Gloves and face shield

/ googles

A green-brown serum sample due to high bilirubin is called what?

Icteric

Hemolyzed samples may falsely elevate what tests?

Potassium, AST, LDH, magnesium, etc.

What must be done after drawing a Vitamin B2 level?

Protect from light (wrap in foil)

How can a sample be kept at body temperature?

Heat block, warm container, or body heat

How should samples be transported during hot weather?

Temperature-controlled insulated container