Blood Ammonia Levels and Specimen Handling
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Questions and Answers

What is the impact of prolonged contact between plasma and cells on specimen integrity?

  • It has no significant effect on test results.
  • It can lead to altered analyte levels. (correct)
  • It stabilizes the analyte concentrations.
  • It decreases the likelihood of hemolysis.

    • At what temperature should serum and plasma specimens be stored if testing cannot be completed within eight hours?

  • Room temperature (20-25°C)
  • Heated to 37°C
  • Freezing at or below -20°C
  • Refrigerated at 2-8°C (correct)

    • How quickly should a blood ammonia specimen be handled after collection to ensure accurate results?

  • It should be allowed to stand for 2 hours at room temperature.
  • It can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours.
  • It must be placed in an ice slurry immediately. (correct)
  • It should be tested within 8 hours.

    • What is the expected decline rate of glucose levels in uncentrifuged coagulated blood stored at room temperature?

    <p>5-7% per hour</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which blood specimen should be kept in a light-sensitive tube due to susceptibility to light degradation?

    <p>Vitamin B12</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be avoided during the collection of serum to prevent specimen contamination?

    <p>Rimming the clot in the tube</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long can EDTA whole blood tubes be safely stored at room temperature without affecting hematology test results?

    <p>Up to 24 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following analytes is NOT affected by light exposure?

    <p>Hemoglobin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could be the effect of delaying a specimen for more than two hours before centrifugation?

    <p>False decrease in glucose due to cellular consumption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can serum contact with red blood cells affect potassium test results?

    <p>It can lead to falsely increased potassium levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which tests are NOT recommended to be transported via pneumatic tube systems due to sensitivity to red cell disruption?

    <p>Potassium and plasma hemoglobin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a necessary step for a specimen without anticoagulant prior to centrifugation?

    <p>It needs to be allowed to clot for at least 30 minutes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason to avoid increasing centrifugation speed?

    <p>It can lead to hemolysis of the specimen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When transporting urine specimens via pneumatic tube systems, what is essential?

    <p>They should have a securely closed leak-proof primary receptacle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can result from improper balance of the centrifuge?

    <p>Potential tube breakage and exposure to biohazards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following tests is least likely affected by pneumatic tube transport?

    <p>Albumin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the potential impact of a pneumatic tube system on blood specimens?

    <p>It can damage red blood cells and affect certain test results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if centriguation is performed without complete clotting?

    <p>Fibrin residue may interfere with testing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding specimen transportation?

    <p>A primary receptacle must be leak-proof and tightly secured.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does cellular consumption affect glucose levels in serum?

    <p>It can lead to falsely decreased glucose levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might happen if centrifugation is conducted with residual separator gel in the serum?

    <p>It can interfere with testing or clog the testing instrument.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which label is required for infectious substances shipped via commercial carriers?

    <p>Biological Substance Category A</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the potential consequence of freezing and thawing a blood specimen multiple times?

    <p>It can hemolyze red blood cells, leading to inaccurate lab results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it crucial to separate serum or plasma from cells within two hours of collection?

    <p>To prevent alterations in serum constituents and cellular changes that could skew test results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What precautions should be taken for light-sensitive specimens during collection and storage?

    <p>They should be collected in amber-colored tubes or wrapped in aluminum foil to prevent degradation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of glycolysis on glucose levels in uncentrifuged blood at room temperature?

    <p>Glycolysis reduces serum glucose by 5% to 7% per hour.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What conditions are recommended for the storage of serum or plasma if analysis cannot occur within eight hours?

    <p>Specimens should be refrigerated at 2-8°C or frozen if held longer than 48 hours.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could be a consequence of rimming the clot in a serum collection tube during specimen preparation?

    <p>It may cause contamination from aerosols and can hemolyze the specimen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long can EDTA whole blood tubes remain at room temperature without adverse effects on results?

    <p>They can be safely stored for up to 24 hours.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which analytes are reported to be stable in terms of light exposure?

    <p>Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, aPTT, 03C, PT, creatinine, magnesium, and potassium are not affected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should serum specimens not be delayed for more than two hours before centrifugation?

    <p>Delaying serum specimens can lead to falsely decreased analyte levels due to cellular consumption or falsely increased levels from cellular release.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary risk of prolonged contact between serum and red blood cells?

    <p>Prolonged contact can significantly increase potassium levels in the serum due to leakage from red blood cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be done to a specimen without anticoagulant before centrifugation?

    <p>The specimen must be allowed to clot for at least 30 minutes prior to centrifugation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should specific tests like potassium and lactate dehydrogenase not be transported via pneumatic tube systems?

    <p>These tests can be negatively affected by red cell disruption caused by vibrations during transport.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does hemolysis during centrifugation have on serum specimens?

    <p>Hemolysis can interfere with accurate testing and lead to erroneous results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What materials are necessary for safely transporting urine specimens via pneumatic tube systems?

    <p>Urine specimens must be in a leak-proof primary receptacle, secured tightly, and placed in a secondary container.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do vibrations and shocks from pneumatic tube systems impact blood specimens?

    <p>Vibrations and shocks can damage red blood cells, which may lead to inaccurate test results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of using a gel barrier tube when collecting serum?

    <p>A gel barrier tube prevents contact between serum and cells, minimizing analyte alteration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could be the consequences of reducing centrifugation time and increasing its speed?

    <p>This may lead to hemolysis and residual separator gel particles in the serum, affecting test results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential requirement when sending infectious substances via commercial carriers?

    <p>The appropriate label, such as 'Biological Substance Category A', is required for infectious substances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is specimen leakage a concern when using pneumatic tube systems?

    <p>Specimen leakage can lead to contamination and loss of sample integrity during transport.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can incomplete separation of serum and cells affect testing?

    <p>It can lead to interference in testing due to residual cells and analyte alteration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of tests are typically not affected by pneumatic tube transport?

    <p>Tests such as albumin, glucose, and creatinine are often not affected by pneumatic tube transport.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What test results may falsely increase due to prolonged serum and cell contact?

    <p>Potassium test results may increase due to leakage from red blood cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be monitored in the transportation carrier of laboratory specimens?

    <p>Check for cracks in the carrier and ensure that the closure locks properly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Blood Ammonia and Specimen Handling

    • Blood ammonia levels rapidly increase at room temperature due to amino acid breakdown; therefore, a specimen must be placed in ice slurry and transported quickly to the lab.
    • Whole blood samples should be separated from cells and tested promptly to avoid altered analyte levels or hemolysis.
    • Serum or plasma specimens should be centrifuged within two hours of collection to prevent changes in serum constituents.

    Impact of Storage Conditions

    • Prolonged contact with cells can falsely alter analyte levels (e.g., increased potassium and decreased glucose).
    • Specimens stored at room temperature (20-25°C) can adversely affect test results; serum/plasma should be refrigerated at 2-8°C if testing is delayed, especially beyond eight hours.
    • Freezing specimens should be limited to once to prevent analyte deterioration, particularly for tests affected by repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

    Light Sensitivity of Specimens

    • Light-sensitive tests include Vitamin B12, bilirubin, beta carotene, and folate; these should be collected in amber tubes or wrapped in aluminum foil.
    • Tests like Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, and aPTT are unaffected by light exposure.

    Effects of Time on Analytes

    • Glucose levels decrease by 5% to 7% per hour in uncentrifuged blood at room temperature; timely separation is essential.
    • Different analytes may be subject to cellular consumption or release into the serum, skewing results if centrifugation is delayed beyond two hours.

    Pneumatic Tube System Transport Protocol

    • Transport protocols for laboratory specimens via pneumatic tube system must ensure specimen integrity and safety.
    • Tests negatively impacted by pneumatic tube transport include potassium and lactate dehydrogenase, while others like albumin and creatinine are not affected.

    Specimen Collection and Clotting

    • Non-additive specimens should clot for at least 30 minutes before centrifugation to avoid fibrin residue that can affect testing.
    • Improper centrifugation, either due to speed or incomplete clotting, can lead to hemolysis or residual gel particles, interfering with test accuracy.

    General Recommendations

    • Compliance with standard specimen handling procedures prevents issues such as contamination, hemolysis, and inaccurate test results.
    • Proper specimen storage and timely processing are critical to maintaining the integrity of lab results and ensuring patient safety.

    Blood Ammonia and Specimen Handling

    • Blood ammonia levels rapidly increase at room temperature due to amino acid breakdown; therefore, a specimen must be placed in ice slurry and transported quickly to the lab.
    • Whole blood samples should be separated from cells and tested promptly to avoid altered analyte levels or hemolysis.
    • Serum or plasma specimens should be centrifuged within two hours of collection to prevent changes in serum constituents.

    Impact of Storage Conditions

    • Prolonged contact with cells can falsely alter analyte levels (e.g., increased potassium and decreased glucose).
    • Specimens stored at room temperature (20-25°C) can adversely affect test results; serum/plasma should be refrigerated at 2-8°C if testing is delayed, especially beyond eight hours.
    • Freezing specimens should be limited to once to prevent analyte deterioration, particularly for tests affected by repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

    Light Sensitivity of Specimens

    • Light-sensitive tests include Vitamin B12, bilirubin, beta carotene, and folate; these should be collected in amber tubes or wrapped in aluminum foil.
    • Tests like Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, and aPTT are unaffected by light exposure.

    Effects of Time on Analytes

    • Glucose levels decrease by 5% to 7% per hour in uncentrifuged blood at room temperature; timely separation is essential.
    • Different analytes may be subject to cellular consumption or release into the serum, skewing results if centrifugation is delayed beyond two hours.

    Pneumatic Tube System Transport Protocol

    • Transport protocols for laboratory specimens via pneumatic tube system must ensure specimen integrity and safety.
    • Tests negatively impacted by pneumatic tube transport include potassium and lactate dehydrogenase, while others like albumin and creatinine are not affected.

    Specimen Collection and Clotting

    • Non-additive specimens should clot for at least 30 minutes before centrifugation to avoid fibrin residue that can affect testing.
    • Improper centrifugation, either due to speed or incomplete clotting, can lead to hemolysis or residual gel particles, interfering with test accuracy.

    General Recommendations

    • Compliance with standard specimen handling procedures prevents issues such as contamination, hemolysis, and inaccurate test results.
    • Proper specimen storage and timely processing are critical to maintaining the integrity of lab results and ensuring patient safety.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the critical procedures for handling whole blood ammonia specimens to ensure accurate test results. It discusses the importance of temperature control, timely separation of serum or plasma, and the effects of prolonged contact with cells. Test your knowledge of best practices in laboratory specimen management.

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