Handling and Storing Laboratory Specimens
60 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the recommended temperature for storing some specimens after centrifugation?

  • Room temperature
  • Refrigeration
  • Freezing
  • Any of the above, depending on the testing requirements (correct)

    • When should aliquot specimens be prepared?

  • After labeling the specimen
  • Right after completing the centrifugation process (correct)
  • During transportation
  • Before centrifugation

    • Why are some specimens stored in the dark?

  • To prevent contamination
  • To prevent evaporation
  • To prevent light sensitivity (correct)
  • To prevent temperature changes

    • What is the purpose of using absorbent materials in packaging?

    <p>To prevent leakage and spills</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the correct sequence of packaging a specimen for transportation?

    <p>Labeling, biohazard bag, primary container, secondary container</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What information should be included on the specimen label?

    <p>Patient's full name, date and time of collection, and source and type of specimen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of using coolants during transportation?

    <p>To keep the specimen cool or frozen, if necessary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of using strong outer packaging?

    <p>To protect the specimen from physical damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done to protect photosensitive specimens from light?

    <p>Wrap them in foil or use an amber specimen container</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to balance tubes in the centrifuge?

    <p>To reduce the risk of breakage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with serum or plasma immediately after centrifugation?

    <p>Remove it immediately, but store it at room temperature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of inverting tubes gently after blood collection?

    <p>To mix the additive with the blood and distribute it evenly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long can serum or plasma remain at room temperature before testing?

    <p>8 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be used to regulate temperature when transporting thermolabile specimens?

    <p>Heat source or heat blocks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if the centrifugation time is inadequate?

    <p>Portions of blood cells remain in the serum or plasma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be avoided when transporting thermolabile specimens?

    <p>Fluctuating temperatures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should you not open the lid of the centrifuge before it has completely stopped spinning?

    <p>To prevent risk of injury from flying objects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with serum or plasma if testing does not take place within 48 hours?

    <p>Freeze it</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is mixing the sample necessary after blood collection?

    <p>To prevent clot formation and hemolysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should serum or plasma be removed from the centrifuge?

    <p>Immediately after centrifugation, but no longer than 2 hours later</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done to protect photosensitive specimens?

    <p>Store them in a light-proof container</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What step is necessary before processing a sample?

    <p>Mixing the sample</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of centrifuging a sample?

    <p>To separate the components of the sample</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be used to chill specimens that require special handling?

    <p>Ice slurries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the correct temperature for storing blood samples for cold agglutinins?

    <p>37°C (98.6°F)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should blood samples for bilirubin and folate levels be wrapped in foil?

    <p>To protect from light</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long can blood gas tests be stored at room temperature?

    <p>Up to 15 to 30 minutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of delivery speed for blood gas tests?

    <p>To prevent gas loss</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the exception to the 1-hour analysis rule for coagulation tests?

    <p>Prothrombin time (PT)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of centrifuging specimens?

    <p>To separate serum or plasma from cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should happen to specimens without an anticoagulant additive before centrifugation?

    <p>They should clot</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of pre-centrifugation processing?

    <p>To begin processing as soon as possible after collection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it essential to handle specimens according to temperature requirements?

    <p>To maintain the integrity of the specimen for accurate test results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following specimens requires special transportation due to light sensitivity?

    <p>Light-sensitive samples, such as bilirubin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for mixing samples before centrifuging?

    <p>To ensure even distribution of cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is centrifugation important in specimen preparation?

    <p>To separate serum from blood cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of chain-of-custody guidelines?

    <p>To maintain accountability for specimens in forensic studies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical value in point-of-care testing?

    <p>A test result that requires immediate attention</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary method of distributing laboratory results?

    <p>Electronic health records and software systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main objective of processing specimens according to handling requirements?

    <p>To ensure accurate test results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All specimens can be stored at room temperature after centrifugation.

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

    Aliquot specimens should be prepared before completing the centrifugation process.

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

    Specimens can be transported without proper packaging and biohazard identification.

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

    Centrifuging a specimen more than once is recommended to ensure complete separation of its components.

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

    Only the patient's name is required on the specimen label.

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

    Coolants are never necessary during specimen transportation.

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

    Photosensitive specimens should be exposed to direct light to enhance visibility.

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

    Serum or plasma can be stored at room temperature for an indefinite period.

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

    The secondary container should not be resealable.

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

    Tubes with different sizes or volumes should be placed opposite each other in the centrifuge.

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

    The lid of the centrifuge can be opened immediately after the centrifugation process.

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

    Removal of serum or plasma from the centrifuged specimen can be delayed indefinitely.

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

    Shaking the tube gently after blood collection can result in a hemolyzed specimen.

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

    All specimens require special handling when transporting.

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

    Mixing blood samples is necessary in all tubes, regardless of additives.

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

    Cold or ice packs can be used for chilling specimens that require special handling.

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

    Photosensitive specimens should be protected from temperature fluctuations.

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

    Aliquoting specimens should be done before centrifugation.

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

    The turnaround time includes only the time it takes for the analysis.

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

    Specimen handling processes are not necessary for POC testing.

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

    Study Notes

    Specimen Handling and Transportation

    • Specimens may have time limits and temperature requirements after centrifugation, such as room temperature, refrigeration, storage in the dark, or freezing, depending on the testing requirements.
    • Aliquoting should be done immediately after centrifugation, using a disposable pipette to transfer serum or plasma without cells to an aliquot tube, which needs to be labeled accordingly.

    Packaging and Shipping

    • When transporting specimens via postal service or express delivery, comply with local, state, and federal laws regarding special packaging and biohazard identification.
    • Complete shipping paperwork, including patient identification, specimen identification, and test information.
    • Use specific packaging supplies, such as:
      • Original specimen tubes or plastic screw-cap transfer tubes
      • Absorbent materials
      • Watertight primary containers
      • Watertight secondary containers (resealable bags, plastic canisters, foam boxes)
      • Strong outer packaging (fiberboard boxes or mailing tubes, wooden boxes, rigid plastic containers)
      • Coolants (ice packs, dry ice), if necessary

    Biohazard Bags

    • Before placing specimens in biohazard bags, label the specimen with the patient's full name, date and time of collection, and source and type of specimen.
    • Place the labeled specimen in a biohazard bag, then in a primary container with absorbent material and coolants (if necessary), and finally in a secondary container with specimen documentation.

    Centrifugation and Aliquoting

    • Centrifugation is the processing of specimens by spinning them in a centrifuge at high speeds, forcing heavy elements (blood cells) to the bottom of the tube and lighter substances (serum, plasma) to remain at the top.
    • The time and speed of centrifugation are critical, and procedures should be established in every laboratory.
    • Aliquot specimens immediately after centrifugation, and remove serum or plasma without cells using a disposable pipette.

    Post-Centrifugation

    • Handle and process specimens after centrifugation, removing serum or plasma without cells, and label and package accordingly.
    • Serum or plasma may require room temperature, refrigeration, freezing, or protection from light, depending on the test.
    • Laboratories face challenges with time management, test accuracy, specimen rejection, and transportation processes.

    Special Handling

    • Thermolabile specimens require temperature regulation using heat sources, heat blocks, or ice slurries, and avoiding fluctuating temperatures.
    • Photosensitive specimens require protection from light, wrapping them in foil or placing them in amber specimen containers.

    Processing and Testing

    • Correct specimen collection, preparation for transport, and handling are essential for accurate test results.
    • Some tests require special handling, such as ammonia and lactic acid, which require ice slurry cooling immediately after collection.
    • Chain-of-custody guidelines maintain control and accountability for specimens in forensic studies, blood alcohol content, and drug screening.

    Centrifugation and Post-Centrifugation

    • Centrifugation is the process of spinning specimens at high speeds to separate blood cells from serum or plasma.
    • The time and speed of centrifugation are critical and must be established by the laboratory and centrifuge manufacturer.
    • Inadequate centrifugation time can result in incomplete separation of blood cells and affect test results.
    • Tubes must be balanced in the centrifuge to prevent breakage, and the lid should not be opened until it has completely stopped spinning.

    Aliquoting and Packaging

    • Aliquot specimens immediately after centrifugation, transferring serum or plasma without cells to a new tube.
    • Label the aliquot tube accordingly.
    • When transporting specimens, use supplies such as absorbent materials, watertight containers, and coolants (if necessary).
    • Package specimens in biohazard bags, labeling them with patient information, date, and time of collection.
    • Place the specimen in a primary container with absorbent material, and then in a secondary container with documentation.

    Special Handling and Transportation

    • Thermolabile specimens require temperature regulation, using heat sources or heat blocks, and avoiding fluctuating temperatures.
    • Photosensitive specimens must be protected from light, using amber containers or wrapping in foil.
    • Some specimens require special handling, such as ammonia and lactic acid tests, which must be stored in an ice slurry immediately after collection.
    • Laboratories must follow specific handling requirements for each test to ensure accurate results.

    General Handling and Processing

    • Remove serum or plasma from the centrifuged specimen immediately, or within 2 hours.
    • Handle specimens according to their temperature requirements, such as room temperature, refrigeration, or freezing.
    • Serum and plasma should not be stored at room temperature for more than 8 hours before testing.
    • If testing does not take place within 48 hours, specimens must be frozen.
    • Mixing samples with additives is necessary, but gentle inversion is recommended to avoid hemolysis or clot formation.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    c6-PREPARING LABORATORY SPECIMENS FOR STORAGE OR TESTING.docx

    Description

    This quiz covers the proper procedures for handling and storing laboratory specimens, including centrifugation, aliquoting, and storage requirements.

    More Like This

    Semen Specimen Collection and Handling
    18 questions

    Semen Specimen Collection and Handling

    HalcyonRelativity avatar
    HalcyonRelativity
    Clinical Specimen Quality and Handling
    10 questions

    Clinical Specimen Quality and Handling

    LucidProbability avatar
    LucidProbability
    Blood Ammonia Testing Procedures
    22 questions

    Blood Ammonia Testing Procedures

    ImmenseWerewolf avatar
    ImmenseWerewolf
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser