Podcast
Questions and Answers
Sample collection and handling do not affect the accuracy of test results.
Sample collection and handling do not affect the accuracy of test results.
False (B)
Clinical samples can include blood, urine, and tissue biopsies.
Clinical samples can include blood, urine, and tissue biopsies.
True (A)
Midstream urine collection is designed to reduce contamination from the urethra.
Midstream urine collection is designed to reduce contamination from the urethra.
True (A)
Arterial blood is collected primarily for routine blood tests.
Arterial blood is collected primarily for routine blood tests.
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Induced sputum collection is typically used for microbiological testing of respiratory infections.
Induced sputum collection is typically used for microbiological testing of respiratory infections.
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Cataloging and labeling samples is unnecessary if the samples are collected correctly.
Cataloging and labeling samples is unnecessary if the samples are collected correctly.
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24-hour urine collection is used to assess kidney function.
24-hour urine collection is used to assess kidney function.
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A capillary blood sample is typically collected from the arm.
A capillary blood sample is typically collected from the arm.
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Aseptic techniques involve using contaminated containers and equipment.
Aseptic techniques involve using contaminated containers and equipment.
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Plasma samples should be frozen to preserve their components for long-term storage.
Plasma samples should be frozen to preserve their components for long-term storage.
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Room temperature for processing certain samples ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Room temperature for processing certain samples ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
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Biohazard bags are unsuitable for transporting infectious samples.
Biohazard bags are unsuitable for transporting infectious samples.
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Formalin is used as a preservative for biological samples to maintain their integrity.
Formalin is used as a preservative for biological samples to maintain their integrity.
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Temperature for refrigerated samples should be at 0ºC to 4ºC.
Temperature for refrigerated samples should be at 0ºC to 4ºC.
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Centrifugation is a technique used for separating serum or plasma from blood cells.
Centrifugation is a technique used for separating serum or plasma from blood cells.
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Leak-proof containers are not necessary for transporting fluids in a laboratory setting.
Leak-proof containers are not necessary for transporting fluids in a laboratory setting.
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Flashcards
Aseptic Techniques
Aseptic Techniques
Methods to prevent contamination by using sterile tools and PPE.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Gear like gloves and lab coats used to protect individuals.
Temperature Control
Temperature Control
Methods to regulate temperature during sample preservation.
Refrigeration for Samples
Refrigeration for Samples
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Biological Sample Preservation
Biological Sample Preservation
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Aliquoting Samples
Aliquoting Samples
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Centrifugation
Centrifugation
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Biohazard Packaging
Biohazard Packaging
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Importance of Sample Collection
Importance of Sample Collection
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Types of Clinical Samples
Types of Clinical Samples
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Environmental Samples Definition
Environmental Samples Definition
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Microbiological Samples
Microbiological Samples
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Venous Blood Collection
Venous Blood Collection
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Midstream Urine Collection
Midstream Urine Collection
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Labeling Requirements
Labeling Requirements
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Documentation in Sample Handling
Documentation in Sample Handling
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Study Notes
Sampling and Handling
- Sample collection is critical for accurate lab results, affecting reliability and quality. Improper collection or handling may result in inaccurate, costly errors, or even safety risks.
- Sample collection involves obtaining a specimen from a person, animal, environment, or substance for analysis.
Types of Laboratory Samples
- Clinical Samples: Blood (venous, arterial, capillary), urine, sputum, tissue biopsies, saliva, feces.
- Environmental Samples: Air, water, soil, food, surfaces (for contamination or quality checks).
- Microbiological Samples: Swabs, cultures, stool, sputum, blood cultures.
Sample Collection Techniques
- Blood Collection:
- Venous: From veins using needles or vacutainer tubes (e.g., antecubital fossa).
- Capillary: From fingers or heel sticks, used for glucose tests or pediatric blood tests.
- Arterial: From arteries for blood gas analysis (e.g., radial artery).
- Urine Collection:
- Midstream: Avoids urethra contamination (common for urinalysis).
- 24-Hour: Measures kidney function/protein excretion.
- Catheterized: For patients unable to provide samples independently.
- Sputum Collection:
- Induced: Used for respiratory infections like tuberculosis.
- Natural Coughing: Involves deep coughs to bring up material up from the lower respiratory tract.
- Tissue Biopsy: Obtained via needle biopsy or surgical excision for histopathological testing. Needle aspiration is used for smaller tissue samples.
Proper Labeling and Documentation
- Labeling Requirements: Include patient information (name, age, sex, medical record number), sample details (type, collection date/time, required tests), and collection method.
- Documentation: Use tracking sheets to ensure traceability of each sample preventing mix-ups.
Preventing Contamination
- Aseptic Techniques: Use sterile containers and equipment to avoid introducing foreign organisms.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear gloves, lab coats, face shields as needed.
- Sterile Swabs: Use sterile swabs for microbiological samples to prevent contamination.
Temperature Control and Sample Preservation
- Refrigeration: Some samples (e.g., blood, urine) require storage at 4°C to slow microbial growth and enzymatic activity.
- Freezing: For plasma/serum, freezing preserves components for long-term storage.
- Room Temperature: Some samples (e.g., certain coagulation tests) are best processed at room temperature. Storage and temperature requirements for laboratory specimens are specific.
Avoiding Cross-Contamination
- Separate tools for individual sample use.
- Frequently clean surfaces.
Sample Transport and Handling
- Packaging: Use secure containers (e.g., biohazard bags for infectious samples, leak-proof containers for fluids).
- Temperature Control: Use insulated coolers, ice packs, or thermostatic containers for temperature-sensitive samples.
Special Handling
- Infectious Samples: Use biohazard symbols and proper packaging during transport.
- Radioactive Materials: Use specialized containers with shielding.
Sample Preparation
- Blood: Centrifugation separates serum/plasma from blood cells. Aliquoting splits samples into smaller portions for various tests.
- Microbiological: Cultures grow bacteria/viruses, smears/stains/prepare slides for microscopic examination (e.g., gram stain).
- Tissue: Fixation preserves tissue, embedding and sectioning prepare tissue for histopathology.
Common Challenges in Sample Handling
- Contamination: Important to use sterilization and PPE to avoid contamination.
- Degradation: Improper storage or transit may degrade sensitive samples (e.g., blood, DNA).
- Volume Limitation: Small sample sizes sometimes require multiple aliquots or pooling.
Time Constraints
- Some tests require immediate processing, which necessitates rapid sample transport.
Best Practices
- Before Collection: Prepare proper containers, label, and use necessary PPE.
- During Collection: Use aseptic techniques, label, document immediately.
- After Collection: Handle with care, ensure correct storage, and transport conditions.
- During Transport: Prioritize temperature control and timely transport.
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Description
Explore the critical aspects of sample collection and handling in a laboratory setting. Understand the various types of laboratory samples, including clinical, environmental, and microbiological samples, and learn the techniques used for accurate collection. This quiz is essential for those in the healthcare and environmental science fields.