Clinical Laboratory Techniques & Procedures for Patient-Centered Care (Outcome 5.9)

Clinical specimen

Samples like blood, urine, swabs, etc., requiring accurate identification and handling for lab trust.

Specimen integrity

Maintaining the identity and condition of a sample, preventing mix-ups, contamination, or deterioration.

Patient/client identification

Confirming a patient's identity using two independent identifiers to ensure correct specimen linkage.

Chain of custody

Documented process showing continuous control and handling of a specimen from collection to analysis.

Positive identification at collection

Verifying donor/patient identity according to policy during specimen collection.

Secure storage for specimens

Keeping specimens in controlled access areas to prevent unauthorized access.

Aseptic technique

Practices designed to reduce the presence and spread of microorganisms during procedures.

Sterile technique

Practices ensuring an environment is free of all microorganisms, used in risk-sensitive procedures.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Gear worn to protect against biohazards, including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.

Anti-coagulant

Substance added to blood samples to prevent clotting for plasma testing.

Hemolysis

Rupture of red blood cells, often due to improper handling, which can lead to inaccurate test results.

Venipuncture

Blood collection method involving accessing a vein, commonly used for laboratory testing.

Capillary puncture

Blood collection from the skin using a fingerstick or heelstick, suitable for small volume tests.

Short draw

Inadequate blood volume collected, which may compromise test results.

Documentation for controlled substances

Recording essential information like patient identity, medication details, and amounts to track substances.

Inadequate inversion/mixing

Failure to properly mix tubes with additives, leading to issues like microclots.

Blood bank

Laboratory section focused on safe transfusion, including typing and crossmatching tests.

CLIA-waived tests

Simple tests approved for performance in various settings, requiring adherence to specific operational rules.

Blood cultures

Tests designed to detect microorganisms in the blood, requiring strict antisepsis during collection.

Correct filling volume of tubes

Ensuring blood tubes are filled to the appropriate level to maintain sample integrity and accuracy.

Specimen rejection criteria

Factors like mislabeling or contamination that necessitate sample recollection.

Light protection for specimens

Safeguarding light-sensitive samples by wrapping or using specific colored containers.

Specimen collection timing

Gathering samples at precise times to ensure accurate test results, important for certain labs.

Patient communication in procedures

Effectively informing patients about what will happen during a procedure to reduce anxiety.

Midstream urine collection

A technique that reduces contamination during urine specimen collection by discarding the initial stream.

Peripheral blood smear

A laboratory technique to examine blood cells under a microscope, assessing morphology and distribution.

Anticoagulant types

Common anticoagulants include citrate, heparin, and EDTA, each used for specific testing purposes.