Infection Control and Specimen Collection Flashcards

Flashcards about Infection Control and Specimen Collection

Types of Specimens

Urine, Stool, Sputum, Tissue, Blood

Urine Specimens

Collected for: Urinalysis, Urine Dipstick, Urine Culture and Sensitivity, 24-hour Urine Collection

Stool Specimens

Collected for: Hemoccult, Infections Panel (Including C.Diff), Ova + Parasite

Collecting Routine Urinalysis - Continent Clients

Collect using a specimen hat in someone who is continent and able to use a toilet or commode

Collecting Urine for Urinalysis - Incontinent Clients

An “in and out” catheter is inserted to collect the specimen and then removed.​

Collecting Urine for Urinalysis - Clients with Indwelling Catheters

Clamp their foley catheter BELOW the sampling port for 15-30 minutes, then access the sampling port with a luerlock syringe, aspirate 20mL of urine into syringe and then transfer urine from the syringe into a sterile container, label container and send to lab

Urine Culture and Sensitivity

Ordered when a urinary tract infection is suspected, to identify bacterial source of infection. Sterility is imperative to maintain when obtaining a sample

Collecting a Midstream Collection for Continent Clients

Instruct clients to clean their peri-area prior to voiding, to eliminate any bacteria that could potentially contaminate the specimen. The urine needs to be caught “mid-stream” and directly into the sterile specimen container Storage: Keep in the fridge or on ice until it can be sent to the lab for testing

24-Hour Urine Collection

Measures the amount of various substances such as: for amino acids, creatinine, glucose, hormones and adrenocorticosteroids, in the urine collected over a 24-hour period. Helps diagnose or monitor Kidney Disease, Hormonal Imbalances, Metabolic Disorders. Must work together to collect all voided urine in a 24-hour period

24-Hour Urine Collection Considerations

The test typically begins in the morning AFTER the first void. If the client voids in the toilet during the 24-hour period, the test will need to be restarted. The specimen container should be placed in the patient’s bathroom or the soiled utility room and should be placed on ice to preserve the sample. A sign should be posted to remind both the patient and staff that a test is in progress and Ensure the container is properly labeled with all necessary patient identification information

Occult Blood Sample Collection

Advise clients to use a specimen hat, commode, or bedpan to collect specimen and use the wooden or plastic applicator provided, and smear stool on the cardboard specimen card then label and send to lab. Useful for screening for the presence of occult (not visible) blood in the stool for conditions such as colon cancer, bleeding gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers, and localized gastric or intestinal irritation

Stool Culture Collection

Use a sterile specimen container and sterile tongue depressor, then place a sample taken from three different areas of the stool collection. A minimum of about 1 inch in diameter sample should be placed in the container. The stool sample should be kept in a container with a preservative if the sample can not be taken to the lab immediately and refrigerate specimens per agency protocol. Screens for common enteric (occuring in intestines) pathogens (bacterial, viral AND fungal)

Ova + Parasite Collection

Same stool sample protocol as collecting a stool sample, however there are specific specimen containers to be used for this test. Looking specifically for parasites and their eggs that commonly infect humans

Throat Culture Collection

Collected from the mucosa of the oropharynx and tonsillar regions using a culture swab. Run the swab along the tonsils and areas on the pharynx that are reddened or contain exudate. The swab is then placed in it’s container, labelled, dated, and sent to the lab

Principles of Practice when collecting specimens

Utilize proficiency and judgment when collecting specimens. Minimize patient discomfort​. Promote patient safety. Ensure accuracy and quality of the procedure. Protect self from exposure. Follow employer policy and procedures

Person-Centered Principles of Practice when collecting specimens

Handle any specimens Car discreetly to ensure client dignity. Consider any cultural differences and language barriers. Protect the clients privacy. Ensure DIPPS throughout the process

Evidence Informed Practice when collecting specimens

Advocate for any specimens that should be collected. Follow the most up to date policy regarding specimen collection within your facility

Patient Identifiers when collecting specimens

Identify your patient using 2 positive patient identifiers. Label and correctly identify the specimen with the date, time of collection, and your initial