20 Questions
What is the responsibility of the phlebotomist in relation to test results?
Controlling pre-analytical variables
What can cause hemolysis if done incorrectly during specimen collection?
Pushing on the plunger while filling the tube
Which type of variable can be affected by pre-analytical variables such as collection time or transport conditions?
Analytical variables
Where do most errors in pre-analytical variables occur?
During specimen collection
What effect do samples from patients on anticoagulants have on clotting times?
They have longer clotting times
How quickly do samples with clot activators clot?
Within 30 minutes
What is the principle of balancing samples in a centrifuge?
Every sample must be balanced by another of equal weight
Why is repeated centrifugation of a specimen not recommended?
It may increase hemolysis of the sample and deterioration of analytes
What danger does an unbalanced load in a centrifuge pose?
It can cause the rotor of the centrifuge to spin out of center, leading to damage and potential biohazard
Amber-colored microtubes are used to collect samples to expose them to light.
False
Samples are transported to the laboratory depending on the size of the institution and the degree of specialization within it.
True
In larger hospitals, samples are hand-carried by the phlebotomist or another member of the laboratory team.
False
A logbook at the drop-off and pickup area should include the patient's name, hospital number, specimen type, and the date and time of delivery.
True
Some institutions use a pneumatic tube system for sample transport that travels within a network of tunnels.
False
What is a common task for a phlebotomist when transferring serum or plasma to plastic transport tubes?
Matching patient information on the original tube with the transport tube label
What are the potential consequences of improper sample collection in a laboratory setting?
Delays in reporting, unnecessary re-draws/retests, decreased customer satisfaction, increased costs, incorrect diagnosis/treatment, injury, and occasionally death.
Why is specimen adequacy checking considered a critical factor in test result accuracy and usefulness?
Specimen adequacy checking is important to ensure that samples are not missing, coagulated, hemolysed, insufficient, or incorrect due to inappropriate collection and handling.
What is a major factor leading to the rejection of samples in laboratory testing?
Insufficient volume
What are some reasons for insufficient volume in samples collected from patients?
Ignorance of the phlebotomist, difficult sampling (e.g., in pediatric patients), debilitated cases, patients on chemotherapy, and those with difficult to localize veins.
How can incorrect phlebotomy practices contribute to pre-analytical errors?
Incorrect phlebotomy practices can occur due to lack of knowledge or heavy workload, leading to pre-analytical errors.
Learn about post-analytical variables in phlebotomy, such as delays in reporting results and improper data entry. Explore pre-analytical variables that occur during patient preparation and specimen collection. Enhance skills as a phlebotomist by minimizing the impact of these variables on the total testing process.
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