Chap 16 specimen handling, transport, and processing

how should tube with anticoagulant be inverted

Gently inverted 5 to 10 times

what tests are affected by glycolysis

Glucose, calcitonin, phosphorus, aldosterone, and other enzymes

how soon after collection should cells be seperated from plasma or serum

within 2 hours of collection

how can specimens be maintained at 37 degrees C during transport and handling 

heel warmer or incubator during transport and handling.

what minimal documentation should be included with each specimen delivery to the lab

patient identification(name, room number, hospital number), type of specimen, date and time of collection, and the tests requested.

what are disadvantages of the pneumatic tube system

unreliable transport conditions, potential for specimen damage, and risk of mislabeling.

what is the purpose of an accession number

to uniquely identify and track each specimen in the laboratory system.

what are aliquots and how are they prepped

portions of a specimen that are divided into smaller volumes for testing or analysis, carefully transferring a measured amount of the original specimen into clean containers to prevent contamination.

procedure for removing a stopper

Involves holding the tube securely while using a twisting motion with gauze pad to gently loosen the stopper before removal, ensuring contamination is minimized.

how should stat specimens be transported to the lab vs routine specimens

Stat specimens transported immediately, routine specimens can be transported within 45 minutes

purpose of maintaining tubes upright during transportation

Allows complete clot formation, prevents sample contamination

reasons specimens should be delivered under a time constraint to the lab

to ensure integrity and stability of the sample, allowing for accurate analysis and timely diagnosis.

types of light sensitives analytes

bilirubin, vitamin b12, carotene, folate

practices recommended during specimen transport

placing sample in leak proof bag, carrying sample upright, labeling samples from outside the hospital with a biohazard sample

once a cap is removed from a blood tube the pH may

may increase

what can be centrifuged immediately after collection

sodium citrate tubes

how long can complete blood clotting take at room temp

30-45 minutes

what is a major risk of stopper removal

aerosol formation

Specimen Handling

The careful management of samples to ensure accurate test results.

Centrifuge

A machine that spins samples at high speeds to separate components based on density.

Aliquot

A small portion of the specimen transferred into separate containers for distribution.

Light-sensitive analytes

Substances that degrade when exposed to light, requiring special handling.

Clot activators

Substances added to tubes that promote faster clotting of blood samples.

Biohazard symbol

A warning sign indicating that a material presents a risk to health or the environment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety gear worn to minimize exposure to hazards, including gloves and lab coats.

Transport media

Special substances used to preserve samples during transport to the laboratory.

Metabolic processes

Chemical reactions occurring within the body that can affect sample integrity.

Temperature considerations

Guidelines for maintaining specific temperatures for different types of specimens.

aerosol

mist of blood that forms droplets in the tube