Specimen Handling and Processing in Medical Technology

Pre-analytical phase

Critical phase before specimen analysis for quality results.

Specimen rejection criteria

Reasons for rejecting specimens include hemolysis and contamination.

Delivery time limits

Specimens must reach the lab promptly, ideally within 2 hours.

OSHA requirements

Protective equipment mandated during specimen processing.

Mixing tubes by inversion

Gentle inversions of tubes to mix contents properly.

Transporting specimens

Use biohazard bags for blood; leak-proof for nonblood.

Chilled specimens

Stored at 2°C-10°C to preserve integrity.

Light-sensitive specimens

Bilirubin specimens must be protected from light exposure.

Centrifugation

Spinning specimens at high RPM to separate components.

Aliquot preparation

Portioning specimens for multiple tests or analyses.

STAT specimens

Emergency specimens requiring immediate processing.

EDTA specimens

Used for CBCs, ESR, and reticulocyte counts.

Centrifuge

Machine that spins specimens to separate fluids.

Specimen suitability

Criteria ensuring specimens meet testing requirements.

Transport containers

Secure lids essential for nonblood specimen transport.

Time limit exceptions

Specific tests may have extended processing times.

Contamination prevention

Keep stoppers on tubes before centrifugation.

Hemolysis

Destruction of red blood cells affecting test results.

QNS

Quantity Not Sufficient; specimen volume inadequate for testing.

Thrombin clot activator

Substance used to enhance clotting in blood tubes.

Biohazard logo

Indicates potential infectious materials in transport.

Specimen storage

Proper conditions necessary to maintain specimen integrity.

Centrifuging serum

Separating serum from cells after blood collection.