Lab 1: Specimen Collection and Transportation

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for obtaining specimens properly during collection?

To minimize the possibility of introducing contaminating microorganisms (correct)

To use the correct type of container for the specimen

To ensure the specimen is handled by a trained laboratory technician

To ensure the specimen is transported quickly to the laboratory

What type of container is recommended for collecting large quantities of urine?

Universal container

250ml wide mouthed screw-capped bottle (correct)

Syringe and needle

Blood culture bottle

What is the purpose of a blood culture bottle?

To collect urine samples

To collect blood for serological examination

To hold 50ml of liquid medium and 5-10ml of patient's blood (correct)

To collect blood for parasitological examination

When is the best time to collect specimens?

During the acute phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of a swab?

Sterile pledge of absorbent material Signup and view all the answers

What type of specimen is a wide mouthed disposable container used for?

Sputum Signup and view all the answers

Why are syringes and needles used in specimen collection?

To aspirate specimens from wounds, CSF, and other accessible lesions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a universal container for feces?

To collect feces samples with a spoon attached to the inside of the screw cap Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the P wave in an ECG?

Indicates depolarization of the atrium Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using gel with ions during an ECG?

To increase conductivity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a detail that an ECG can provide?

Blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of checking a patient's sodium levels during an ECG?

To ensure proper heart movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an unusually fast heart rate?

Tachycardia Signup and view all the answers

What is the QRS complex wave indicative of?

Depolarization of the ventricle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an electrocardiograph?

To diagnose heart problems Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of electricity in the heart?

Sinoatrial node Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom that may indicate the need for an electrocardiogram?

Chest pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of electricity in Lead I of Einthoven's triangle?

From the right arm to the left arm Signup and view all the answers

Which electrode is NOT used in measuring ECG in hospitals?

Eye Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanically most important chamber of the heart?

Left ventricle Signup and view all the answers

Why is measuring the electricity of Lead II important?

Because it directs the electrical pulse from the right atrium to the left ventricle Signup and view all the answers

Who developed the ECG?

Einthoven Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Specimen Collection and Transportation

Proper specimen collection and transportation are crucial because the quality of the specimen directly affects the laboratory results.
Specimens should be obtained properly to minimize the possibility of contaminating microorganisms that are not involved in the infectious process.

Containers for Specimen Collection

Feces: Universal container with a spoon attached to the inside of the screw cap.
Urine: Universal container for small quantities, and 250ml wide-mouthed screw-capped bottles for larger quantities.
Sputum: Wide-mouthed disposable containers (not universal containers).
Blood: Without anticoagulant for serological examination, and with EDTA for parasitological examination.
Blood culture bottle: Must be at least large enough to hold 50ml of liquid medium and 5-10ml of patient's blood.

Syringe and Needle for Aspiration

Used for collecting specimens from: • Wound pus • CSF • Pleural effusion • Amniotic fluid • Synovial fluid

Swabs for Specimen Collection

Suitable for collecting exudates from: • Throat • Nose • Ear • Skin • Wounds • Accessible lesions
Consist of sterile pledge of absorbent material (usually cotton-wool or synthetic fiber) mounted on a thin wire stick.

Special Purpose Swabs

Baby swabs
Pre-nasal swabs
Post-nasal swabs
Laryngeal swabs
High vaginal and cervical swabs

Specimen Collection Guidelines

Time of collection: • During the acute phase • Before antimicrobial therapy

What is Electrocardiograph?

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical signals in the heart.
It's a common and painless test used to quickly detect heart problems and monitor the heart's health.

Why is ECG done?

To diagnose many common heart problems, including irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), blocked or narrowed arteries in the heart, and previous heart attacks.
To monitor heart disease treatments, such as pacemakers.

Indications for ECG

Chest pain
Dizziness, lightheadedness or confusion
Heart palpitations
Rapid pulse
Shortness of breath
Weakness, fatigue or a decline in ability to exercise

Heart's Electrical Activity

The sinoatrial node, located in the right atrium, is the origin of electricity of the heart.
The electrical activity is sent to the atrioventricular node and then to the purkinjee fibers of the heart.
Electrically, the most important chamber of the heart is the right atrium.
Mechanically, the most important chamber of the heart is the left ventricle.

ECG Leads

Einthoven's triangle has three leads:
- Lead I: direction of electricity from the right arm to the left arm.
- Lead II: direction of electricity from the right arm to the left leg.
- Lead III: direction of electricity from the left arm to the left leg.
Lead II is important because it directs the electrical pulse from the right atrium to the left ventricle.

Measuring ECG

Hospitals use 12 electrodes to measure ECG:
- Right arm, left arm, right leg, left leg, and 8 electrodes between the 4th and 5th ribs on the left and right side of the sternum.
A single electrode is positioned between the 4th intercostal space.

ECG Waves

P wave: indicates depolarization of the atrium.
QRS complex: series of waves that indicate depolarization of the ventricle.
T wave: represents repolarization of the ventricle.

Important to Know

The repolarization of the atrium is small and will disappear in QRS complex.
Gel containing ions can be used to increase conductivity during ECG.
Sodium is an important electrolyte for the heart movement, and checking the patient's electrolyte levels is important.

What do the Results Tell Us?

Heart rate: ECG can help identify an unusually fast heart rate (tachycardia) or an unusually slow heart rate (bradycardia).
Heart rhythm: ECG can detect irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
Heart attack: ECG can show evidence of a previous heart attack or one that's currently happening.
Blood and oxygen supply to the heart: ECG can provide information about this.
Heart structure changes: ECG can provide clues about an enlarged heart, heart defects, and other heart problems.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

Learn about the importance of proper specimen collection and transportation in laboratory settings. Understand how to minimize contamination and ensure high-quality results.