Laboratory Specimen Flow Process

What is a common pitfall during the patient interaction with the laboratory?

Which of the following is an important procedure to follow when a specimen is collected?

During what step is the appropriateness of the specimen checked against acceptance criteria?

What is a common clerical error that may occur when logging specimens?

Which factor is crucial when determining the specimen type needed for collection?

What is the primary responsibility of a laboratorian in the analytical phase regarding quality control?

Which of the following is a common pitfall during the specimen analysis stage?

In the post-analytical phase, what is a potential issue related to the reporting of test results?

What should be ensured when communicating test results to clinicians?

What is a critical aspect of maintaining documents and records in the laboratory?

Which procedure should be in place for specimens that need to be sent out for testing?

What aspect of test results must be ensured during the analysis phase?

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the laboratorian during the specimen processing phase?

Pre-analytical Phase

Clinician places orders based on patient needs; requires adherence to ordering protocols to prevent unauthorized and inappropriate orders.
Patient interacts with the laboratory staff upon presentation; effective customer service is critical to avoid delays and negative interactions.
Requisition forms must be completed and reviewed for accuracy; common pitfalls include incomplete patient data and clerical errors that can compromise specimen acceptability.
Laboratory staff determine the type of specimen needed for testing by reviewing requests; failing to follow specimen requirements can lead to collection errors.
Blood and non-blood samples are collected by clinicians or laboratory personnel; training ensures competent specimen collection to avoid injuries or wrong specimen collection.
All specimens must be logged with proper information; errors in logging can lead to inadequate tracking and mismanagement.
Specimens are accepted or rejected based on criteria; hazards, labeling issues, and specimen quality must be monitored to ensure reliable results.
Assigned tests are prioritized (STAT vs. routine); processing delays can result from inefficient handling of multiple tests or centrifuge requirements.

Analytical Phase

Routine quality checks are conducted prior to testing to validate reagents and calibrate equipment; failure to follow SOPs can lead to compromised results.
Specimens are analyzed according to established procedures; shortcuts or SOP deviations can lead to inaccurate outcomes.
Test results are reviewed for accuracy and validity, requiring careful cross-checking; inadequate validation can result in errors in reporting.

Post-analytical Phase

Test results are recorded meticulously in logbooks; clerical errors can arise from discrepancies in data presentation.
Laboratory staff communicate results to clinicians through written or verbal reports, emphasizing the importance of timely notification, especially for critical values.
Document management involves maintaining, filing, and storing results correctly; adherence to retention schedules is vital to ensure retrievability and to prevent data loss due to environmental damage.

This quiz covers the specimen flow process in a laboratory setting, focusing on the pre-analytical phase. It outlines key steps involved, responsibilities of various personnel, necessary procedures, and potential pitfalls that may occur during the process. Test your understanding of the workflow and improve your laboratory practices.

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