Laboratory Specimen Transport Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is the maximum time a specimen should be delayed before centrifugation to maintain analyte accuracy?

Two hours (correct)

Four hours

One hour

Three hours

Which analyte level could be falsely increased due to prolonged contact with red blood cells?

Glucose

Bicarbonate

Potassium (correct)

Folate

What should be done to maintain specimen integrity if a gel barrier tube is not used?

Transfer the serum to another tube after centrifugation (correct)

Refrigerate the sample immediately

Keep the sample at room temperature

Leave the sample undisturbed for four hours

Which tests are negatively affected by pneumatic tube system transport?

Potassium and plasma hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

According to CLSI guidelines, which of the following tests is NOT affected by pneumatic tube system transport?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

What type of container must a urine specimen be in when transported via pneumatic tube system?

Leak-proof primary receptacle Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken immediately after centrifugation to ensure test accuracy?

Transfer the serum to a different tube Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with the pneumatic tube system in specimen transport?

Specimen leakage Signup and view all the answers

How does prolonged contact with red blood cells affect potassium levels?

Increases potassium levels significantly Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using a gel barrier in specimen collection?

To separate serum from cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of prolonged plasma or serum contact with blood cells?

Altered analyte levels Signup and view all the answers

How quickly should serum or plasma specimens be centrifuged after collection?

Within 2 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action if testing cannot be completed within eight hours after blood collection?

Refrigerate at 2-8°C Signup and view all the answers

Which blood parameters are not affected by light exposure?

Creatinine Signup and view all the answers

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

Reduces glucose by 5-7% per hour Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should be avoided to prevent specimen contamination during serum collection?

Rimming the clot in the serum tube Signup and view all the answers

Which type of blood specimen can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours without adversely affecting results?

EDTA whole blood tube Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum time serum or plasma specimens should be frozen for accurate testing?

48 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about freezing blood specimens?

Once frozen, specimens should only be thawed once. Signup and view all the answers

What should a laboratory do if light-sensitive specimens are collected?

Wrap them in aluminum foil Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked to ensure the integrity of the carrier for specimen transport?

Cracks in the carrier and proper closure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following test results is generally not affected by pneumatic tube transport?

Albumin levels Signup and view all the answers

What type of label is required for transporting infectious substances via commercial carrier?

Biohazard label/symbol Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action to take before centrifugation of a specimen without anticoagulant?

Allow it to clot for at least 30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which test should NOT be transported via a pneumatic tube system according to CLSI recommendations?

Lactate dehydrogenase Signup and view all the answers

How long should a specimen be allowed to sit before centrifugation to avoid analyte level interference?

Up to 2 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of incomplete clotting in a serum specimen?

Interference in testing or clogging of instruments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following recommendations relates to the speed and duration of centrifugation?

Reduced centrifugation time prevents gel particles in serum Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a centrifuge is not balanced properly?

Potential tube breakage and biohazard exposure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following analytes can falsely increase due to hemolysis during transport?

Potassium Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pneumatic Tube System for Specimen Transport

Verify integrity of the carrier before use; check for cracks and ensure closure locks properly.
Foam pads are essential in the carrier for cushioning and preventing damage during transport.
Appropriate labels for the transport container include biohazard, "Biological Substance Category A," or "Biological Substance Category B," depending on the infectious material.

Impact of Transportation on Test Results

Albumin test results remain unaffected by pneumatic tube system transport.
Certain tests are negatively affected due to red blood cell disruption, including potassium, plasma hemoglobin, acid phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase, as recommended by CLSI.
Tests not influenced by pneumatic tube transport include albumin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, chloride, creatinine, glucose, sodium, total bilirubin, total protein, BUN, uric acid, thrombin time, and WBC concentration.

Specimen Handling Prior to Centrifugation

Allow specimens without additives to clot for at least 30 minutes before centrifugation to avoid fibrin residues.
Specimens should not be held for over two hours prior to centrifugation to prevent analyte level inaccuracies, including falsely decreased glucose and increased potassium due to hemolysis.
Centrifugation should be properly balanced to prevent tube breakage and biohazard exposure.

Time Constraints for Serum/Plasma

Specimens should be centrifuged within two hours to prevent false alterations in analyte levels caused by red blood cell contact.
Continuous contact between serum and red blood cells can lead to significant potassium level increases.

Urine Specimen Transport

To prevent leakage, transport urine specimens in leak-proof primary receptacles with tightly secured lids, placed inside secondary containers like biohazard bags.

Blood Ammonia Handling

Blood ammonia specimens must be kept in an ice slurry and processed quickly to avoid increases from in vitro amino acid breakdown.

Blood Specimen Storage Guidelines

Centrifugation of serum/plasma should occur within two hours to avoid cellular changes and altered analyte levels.
Avoid rimming clots in serum tubes to prevent aerosol contamination and hemolysis.
Blood glucose can decrease by 5%-7% per hour due to glycolysis if stored at room temperature.

Storage Conditions for Specimens

EDTA whole blood tubes for CBCs can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours and refrigerated for 48 hours.
Serum/plasma should not be at room temperature for extended periods; if testing is delayed over 8 hours, refrigerate at 2-8°C; if over 48 hours, freeze at -20°C or below.
Frozen specimens should be thawed only once before testing to maintain analyte integrity.

Light Sensitivity of Specimens

Vitamin B12, bilirubin, beta carotene, and folate are light-sensitive and should be stored in amber tubes or wrapped in aluminum foil.
Other analytes like 03C, PT, creatinine, magnesium, and potassium are not affected by light exposure.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the best practices for transporting laboratory specimens via pneumatic tube systems. Participants will learn about the necessary checks for carrier integrity, cushioning requirements, and labeling protocols to ensure safe delivery. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of clinical specimens.