Specimen Collection, Transport and Storage in Medical Microbiology

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended storage condition for throat swab specimens?

3-10°C

15-25°C

-20°C

2-8°C (correct)

What is the purpose of the transport of CSF specimens?

Serology only

Isolation only

No specific purpose

Isolation and serology (correct)

What is the recommended handling and transportation procedure for water samples if testing is delayed?

Dispose of the sample

Keep the sample at room temperature

Pack the sample on ice (correct)

Refrigerate the sample

What type of specimen requires storage at -20°C?

NPA/swab in VTM Signup and view all the answers

How should water for bacteriology be handled after collection from a water course or reservoir?

Allow to flow for at least one minute before collection Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended storage condition for whole blood specimens?

-20°C Signup and view all the answers

What should be added to chlorinated water before collection as a part of the preparation for bacteriology testing?

$0.5$ml of 10% sodium thiosulphate solution Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended volume for collecting water samples from the source?

At least 200 ml Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of quality assurance in clinical diagnostic laboratories?

To maintain the quality of specimens submitted to the laboratory Signup and view all the answers

What determines the clinical utility of the results generated by a Clinical Microbiology laboratory?

The quality of the specimens submitted Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is part of the pre-analytical process in clinical diagnostic laboratories?

Specimen collection and handling Signup and view all the answers

What type of laboratories require investigations in non-clinical research laboratories?

Non-clinical research laboratories Signup and view all the answers

Which document specifies step-by-step actions needed for each process in a clinical diagnostic laboratory?

Standard operating procedure Signup and view all the answers

What role does transportation play in specimen collection for the Clinical Microbiology laboratory?

It impacts the quality of the specimen submitted to the laboratory Signup and view all the answers

What are the tests conducted on samples in the laboratory called?

Analytical process Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern if specimens of poor quality are submitted to a Clinical Microbiology laboratory?

Little or no clinical utility of generated results Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important not to refrigerate blood smears?

Refrigeration alters the cell morphology Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate amount of blood to collect for cultures from adults?

5 – 10 ml Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if bacterial endocarditis is suspected when collecting blood for cultures?

Collect three sets of blood culture Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using proper anaerobic collection containers?

To facilitate the survival of organisms Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use non-nutritive transport medium for bacteria and viruses?

To prevent organisms from surviving Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if specimens are grossly contaminated or compromised?

They should be rejected Signup and view all the answers

How should blood smears be handled and transported?

They should not be refrigerated Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended time frame for transporting blood samples for cultures if the laboratory cannot be reached within 24 hours?

Store at 4oC until transportation is possible Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Storage Conditions and Handling of Specimens

Throat swab specimens should be stored at 2-8°C.
Transport of CSF specimens is crucial for accurate diagnosis of central nervous system infections.
Water samples, if testing is delayed, should be kept at 4°C and not frozen.
Specimens requiring storage at -20°C include frozen tissue specimens and certain biological materials.
After collection from a water course or reservoir, water for bacteriology should be transported in sterile containers and processed promptly.
Whole blood specimens are best stored at room temperature and processed within a specific time frame to maintain integrity.

Collection and Preparation of Water Samples

To prepare for bacteriology testing, sodium thiosulfate should be added to chlorinated water before collection to neutralize chlorine.
A recommended volume for collecting water samples from the source is at least 100-250 mL to ensure representativeness.

Quality Assurance and Clinical Utility

Quality assurance in clinical diagnostic laboratories aims to ensure accuracy, reliability, and consistency in test results.
The clinical utility of results from a Clinical Microbiology laboratory is determined by the appropriateness of specimen collection, handling, and processing steps.
The pre-analytical process in clinical diagnostic laboratories includes specimen collection, labeling, and transport.

Laboratory Processes

Investigations in non-clinical research laboratories involve environmental monitoring and product testing.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specify step-by-step actions needed for each process in a clinical diagnostic laboratory.
Transportation ensures stability and viability of specimens during transit to the laboratory.

Testing and Quality Concerns

Tests conducted on samples in the laboratory are referred to as assays or analyses.
The primary concern with poor quality specimens is the risk of inaccurate results leading to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment.
It is important not to refrigerate blood smears, as refrigeration can damage the cellular morphology.

Blood Collection and Specific Protocols

Appropriate amount of blood to collect for cultures from adults is typically 20-30 mL.
If bacterial endocarditis is suspected, multiple blood culture bottles should be collected to enhance detection chances.
Using proper anaerobic collection containers is essential for anaerobic bacteria preservation without exposure to oxygen.
Non-nutritive transport medium is critical for preserving bacteria and viruses during transportation, preventing metabolic activity.

Handling Contaminated Specimens and Timing

If specimens are grossly contaminated or compromised, they should be discarded, and a new collection should be performed.
Blood smears should be transported in a flat position to avoid distortion.
If blood samples for cultures cannot reach the laboratory within 24 hours, they should be processed or frozen as soon as possible to maintain specimen integrity.

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Description

Learn about the laboratory investigations carried out in clinical diagnostic laboratories, public health clinical research laboratories, and non-clinical research laboratories. Understand the process, pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical stages involved in ensuring quality assurance in clinical diagnostic laboratories.