Chapter 11: Non-Blood Specimens

What should a specimen label contain?

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Date and time of collection

• Collector’s initials

accessioned

receiving specimen and entering patient and test info into the laboratory information system

specimen viability

ability of cells, tissues, or microorganisms in a specimen to remain alive and capable of functioning

What do many tests performed on non-blood specimens fall under?

POCT and classified as CLIA-waived

Where are tests that aren’t POCT or CLIA-waived performed?

In the lab by qualified personnel

random voided specimen

patient urinates directly into a clean container; requires no special preparation and commonly used for routine testing

clean catch midstream (CCMS)

collecting urine after patient wipes their genital area with antiseptic wipes; patient starts urinating stops briefly, then collects the sample and finishes voiding in the toilet; should be filled halfway

catheterized specimen

when a patient has trouble voiding, a trained healthcare professional can collect sterile urine by inserting a catheter

suprapubic aspiration

urine is collected using a needle inserted directly into the bladder through the abdominal wall

When is a first morning void (FMV) specimen collected?

Immediately after the patient wakes up b/c it’s usually more concentrated

When is a timed urine specimen collected?

At a specific point in time or over a defined time period

two-hour postprandial specimen

urine collected exactly two hours after a meal

postprandial

after a meal

24 hour urine specimen

urine collected over a full 24 hr time period

What does a urinalysis evaluate?

Evaluates urine for sings of disease, infection, or kidney function

What are the 3 parts of urinalysis?

• Physical: urine’s color, clarity, and odor

• Chemical: testing to detect substances like glucose, protein, blood, ketones, or to identify infections

• Microscopic: identify cells, crystals, or bacteria in urine

What is the purpose of a urine culture and sensitivity test?

• Used to confirm the presence of a UTI

• Identify the specific bacteria causing the infection

• Determine which antibiotics are effective against it

What tube is a urine C&S transferred to?

A vacuum sealed gray top tube with a yellow label marked as Urine C&S

What is the purpose of urine drug screening?

TO detect the presence of specific substances in the body like amphetamines, marijuana, benzodiazepines, opioids, and cocaine

forensic

use of science in legal settings

What are most urine drug screens classified as?

Chain of custody

chain of custody

strict protocol for tracking forensic specimens must be followed

• proper ID, documentation, signature tracking

• must accompany the requisition form

• sample must be freshly voided and fall within a specific temp range

What is the purpose of an ova and parasite test?

To detect the presence of parasitic organisms and their eggs in stool

• Can identify parasites like Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and pinworms

• Test has to be performed in lab

guiaiac

chemical used to detect occult blood in feces

How does a breath test work?

• Patient begins by providing a baseline breath sample

• Then drinks a solution containing synthetic urea, lactose, or glucose

What is the purpose of a buccal swab?

To collect cells from the inner cheek lining; commonly ordered for DNA testing, genetic analysis, drug screening, or viral detection

What’s the purpose of a genital swab?

Test for STIs

For a nasopharyngeal swab, where is the swab inserted?

Into the nasal cavity

What is important to remember when collecting a semen sample?

• Since sperm cells degrade quickly outside the body, timing and temperature are critical

• Sterile container with a secure lid

• Kept at body temp (98.6F)

• Protected from light

• Delivered to lab within 60 minutes of collection