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Questions and Answers
What is the general time constraint for separating specimens after collection?
What is the general time constraint for separating specimens after collection?
What is the stability of Hematology specimens (EDTA) at room temperature?
What is the stability of Hematology specimens (EDTA) at room temperature?
What is the maximum time limit for storing serum specimens at 2-4 degrees?
What is the maximum time limit for storing serum specimens at 2-4 degrees?
What is the recommended time for centrifuging serum specimens?
What is the recommended time for centrifuging serum specimens?
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What should be done before centrifuging serum specimens?
What should be done before centrifuging serum specimens?
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At what temperature should serum specimens be frozen after 48 hours?
At what temperature should serum specimens be frozen after 48 hours?
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What is the time constraint for glucose tests?
What is the time constraint for glucose tests?
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What is the stability of blood smears (EDTA) at room temperature?
What is the stability of blood smears (EDTA) at room temperature?
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What is the primary reason for processing molecular testing specimens as soon as possible?
What is the primary reason for processing molecular testing specimens as soon as possible?
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What is the recommended storage temperature for molecular testing specimens if processing cannot be done immediately?
What is the recommended storage temperature for molecular testing specimens if processing cannot be done immediately?
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What is the maximum time allowed for storing urine specimens at room temperature before testing?
What is the maximum time allowed for storing urine specimens at room temperature before testing?
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Why is it essential to examine cytology specimens as soon as possible?
Why is it essential to examine cytology specimens as soon as possible?
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What is the purpose of aliquot preparation in laboratory settings?
What is the purpose of aliquot preparation in laboratory settings?
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Which type of tube for glucose test can keep blood stable for up to 24 hours at room temperature?
Which type of tube for glucose test can keep blood stable for up to 24 hours at room temperature?
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What should be done with tissue specimens and joint fluids upon receipt in the microbiology laboratory?
What should be done with tissue specimens and joint fluids upon receipt in the microbiology laboratory?
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Why is it important to protect urine specimens from light during storage?
Why is it important to protect urine specimens from light during storage?
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What is the ideal temperature range for storing anticoagulated venous specimens if they will not be tested within 4 hours?
What is the ideal temperature range for storing anticoagulated venous specimens if they will not be tested within 4 hours?
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What should be done to serum specimens before refrigeration?
What should be done to serum specimens before refrigeration?
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How long can serum/plasma aliquots remain at room temperature?
How long can serum/plasma aliquots remain at room temperature?
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What should be done to EDTA tubes after 24 hours?
What should be done to EDTA tubes after 24 hours?
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What is a reason for rejecting a specimen?
What is a reason for rejecting a specimen?
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What is a consequence of hemolysis in a specimen?
What is a consequence of hemolysis in a specimen?
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What should be done to laboratory waste?
What should be done to laboratory waste?
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What should be done to sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate tubes after 24 hours?
What should be done to sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate tubes after 24 hours?
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What is the main purpose of preparing an aliquot?
What is the main purpose of preparing an aliquot?
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How long can a serum/plasma aliquot remain at room temperature?
How long can a serum/plasma aliquot remain at room temperature?
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What is the recommended storage temperature for a specimen if the test cannot be completed within 48 hours?
What is the recommended storage temperature for a specimen if the test cannot be completed within 48 hours?
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Why should serum/plasma not be frozen and thawed more than once?
Why should serum/plasma not be frozen and thawed more than once?
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What is the purpose of capping an aliquot tube as soon as it is filled?
What is the purpose of capping an aliquot tube as soon as it is filled?
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How can you estimate the amount of specimen in an aliquot tube?
How can you estimate the amount of specimen in an aliquot tube?
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Why are temperature considerations crucial in laboratory specimens?
Why are temperature considerations crucial in laboratory specimens?
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What type of freezers should be avoided when storing laboratory specimens?
What type of freezers should be avoided when storing laboratory specimens?
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What is the primary reason for wrapping bilirubin samples in aluminum foil?
What is the primary reason for wrapping bilirubin samples in aluminum foil?
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What is the recommended sequence of processing for a CSF specimen that requires analysis by multiple departments?
What is the recommended sequence of processing for a CSF specimen that requires analysis by multiple departments?
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What is the primary purpose of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations?
What is the primary purpose of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations?
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Why are urine specimens for porphyrins collected in a dark bottle?
Why are urine specimens for porphyrins collected in a dark bottle?
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What is the minimum volume of CSF required for most tests?
What is the minimum volume of CSF required for most tests?
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What is the primary reason for separating CSF specimens into different tubes?
What is the primary reason for separating CSF specimens into different tubes?
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What is the recommended temperature for transporting CSF specimens to the testing facility?
What is the recommended temperature for transporting CSF specimens to the testing facility?
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What is the primary concern when transporting specimens off-site?
What is the primary concern when transporting specimens off-site?
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What is the primary reason for separating CSF specimens into different tubes?
What is the primary reason for separating CSF specimens into different tubes?
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It is essential to examine cytology specimens as soon as possible to prevent degradation.
It is essential to examine cytology specimens as soon as possible to prevent degradation.
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Why is it important to protect urine specimens from light during storage?
Why is it important to protect urine specimens from light during storage?
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The ideal temperature range for storing anticoagulated venous specimens if they will not be tested within 4 hours is __________.
The ideal temperature range for storing anticoagulated venous specimens if they will not be tested within 4 hours is __________.
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What is the primary purpose of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations?
What is the primary purpose of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations?
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What is the primary phase of laboratory testing that involves sample collection, transportation, and processing?
What is the primary phase of laboratory testing that involves sample collection, transportation, and processing?
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Match the following specimens with their recommended storage temperatures:
Match the following specimens with their recommended storage temperatures:
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Which of the following tests are not affected by the Pneumatic Tube System?
Which of the following tests are not affected by the Pneumatic Tube System?
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The Lab Information System (LIS) is used to interpret laboratory results.
The Lab Information System (LIS) is used to interpret laboratory results.
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It is acceptable to freeze and thaw serum/plasma aliquots more than once.
It is acceptable to freeze and thaw serum/plasma aliquots more than once.
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What is the importance of barcodes in the laboratory?
What is the importance of barcodes in the laboratory?
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Blood tubes should be transported with the stopper down.
Blood tubes should be transported with the stopper down.
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What is the importance of gentle inversion when handling tubes with anticoagulant?
What is the importance of gentle inversion when handling tubes with anticoagulant?
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Why are temperature considerations crucial in laboratory specimens?
Why are temperature considerations crucial in laboratory specimens?
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The Central Processing department is responsible for _______________ of specimens.
The Central Processing department is responsible for _______________ of specimens.
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What is the primary concern when transporting specimens off-site?
What is the primary concern when transporting specimens off-site?
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Central processing involves verifying the ______________________ of incoming specimens.
Central processing involves verifying the ______________________ of incoming specimens.
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It is essential to examine cytology specimens as soon as possible after collection.
It is essential to examine cytology specimens as soon as possible after collection.
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Match the following laboratory departments with the specimens they receive from central processing:
Match the following laboratory departments with the specimens they receive from central processing:
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What should be done with STAT specimens in the laboratory?
What should be done with STAT specimens in the laboratory?
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Match the following laboratory procedures with their respective phases:
Match the following laboratory procedures with their respective phases:
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The Pneumatic Tube System is suitable for transporting specimens that require maintaining body temperature.
The Pneumatic Tube System is suitable for transporting specimens that require maintaining body temperature.
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What is the purpose of aliquot preparation in laboratory settings?
What is the purpose of aliquot preparation in laboratory settings?
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What is the primary purpose of accessioning in central processing?
What is the primary purpose of accessioning in central processing?
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What is the primary phase of laboratory testing that involves sample collection, transportation, and processing?
What is the primary phase of laboratory testing that involves sample collection, transportation, and processing?
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It is acceptable to freeze and thaw serum/plasma aliquots more than once.
It is acceptable to freeze and thaw serum/plasma aliquots more than once.
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What are some possible sources of pre-analytical errors that can occur before collection?
What are some possible sources of pre-analytical errors that can occur before collection?
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During specimen transport, _______________ of the specimen can cause hemolysis.
During specimen transport, _______________ of the specimen can cause hemolysis.
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What is the primary reason for processing molecular testing specimens as soon as possible?
What is the primary reason for processing molecular testing specimens as soon as possible?
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The Lab Information System (LIS) is used to interpret laboratory results.
The Lab Information System (LIS) is used to interpret laboratory results.
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During specimen processing, _______________ of the cells from fluid can cause errors.
During specimen processing, _______________ of the cells from fluid can cause errors.
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What is the main reason for transporting molecular testing specimens as soon as possible?
What is the main reason for transporting molecular testing specimens as soon as possible?
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STAT and ASAP are exceptions to the general time constraints for specimens.
STAT and ASAP are exceptions to the general time constraints for specimens.
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Urine specimens can be tested within ___________ at room temperature.
Urine specimens can be tested within ___________ at room temperature.
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Match the following specimen types with their corresponding storage conditions:
Match the following specimen types with their corresponding storage conditions:
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What is the purpose of aliquot preparation in laboratory settings?
What is the purpose of aliquot preparation in laboratory settings?
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Cytology specimens can be examined anytime without any issues.
Cytology specimens can be examined anytime without any issues.
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RNA testing specimens can be stored at _______________ if processing cannot be done immediately.
RNA testing specimens can be stored at _______________ if processing cannot be done immediately.
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Study Notes
Time Constraints for Specimens
- Time constraints for specimens refer to the limited window of time within which samples must be collected, transported, and processed to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
- These constraints vary depending on the type of specimen, the tests to be performed, and the stability of analytes within the sample.
- Examples of time-sensitive tests include glucose, ionized calcium, LD or LDH, and potassium, which have a 2-hour limit.
Hematology Specimens
- Hematology specimens (EDTA) require:
- Blood smears within an hour
- CBC within 6 hours
- ESR (EDTA) 4 hours at room temperature, and 12 hours in the fridge
- If blood is drawn in an SST/PST tube, it is stable for 24 hours after centrifugation and 48 hours if stored at 4°C.
Serum Specimens
- Once separated from the red blood cell, serum samples are stable at room temperature for 8 hours and up to 48 hours at 2-4°C.
- After 48 hours, serum specimens should be frozen at –20°C in an aliquot tube.
Molecular Testing Specimens
- Molecular testing specimens (RNA testing) should be transported, processed as soon as possible due to the instability of RNA substances.
- If not possible, they can be stored at 4°C for 48 hours, or frozen at –80°C in an aliquot tube.
Urine Specimens
- Urine specimens (C&S and UA) are dependent on timelines, as urine components change, and cellular elements decompose.
- Urine specimens can be tested within 2 hours at room temperature, or refrigerated if not possible.
Exceptions
- STAT and ASAP tests have different time constraints.
- Some anticoagulated tubes, such as sodium fluoride tubes for glucose and EDTA tubes, can keep blood stable for up to 24 hours at room temperature.
- Anything on ice should be processed immediately, and tissue specimens should be processed in microbiology immediately.
Aliquot Preparation
- Aliquot preparation refers to the process of dividing a larger volume of a specimen into smaller, standardized aliquots for storage, analysis, or distribution.
- Aliquoting is a common practice in laboratory settings to ensure sample integrity, facilitate efficient testing, and support future testing needs.
Post-Analysis Storage
- Anticoagulated venous specimens should be stored at 2–8°C if they will not be tested within 4 hours.
- Serum specimens should be separated from whole blood before being refrigerated.
- Specimens should be capped to minimize evaporation and contamination.
Rejecting Specimens
- Reasons for rejecting specimens include:
- Clotted additive tubes or fibrin clots
- Hemolysis
- Lipemia
- Specimens not protected from light
- Specimens collected in the wrong tube
- Unlabelled tubes
- Not at body temperature
- Chilling requirements not met
- Contaminated specimen
- Delay in processing
- Wrong time, wrong tube, or wrong order
Disposal of Waste
- Dispose of laboratory waste in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
Aliquotting
- Aliquotting involves transferring a portion of a specimen into one or more tubes labeled with the same ID information as the specimen tube.
- Each aliquot tube should be capped as soon as it is filled.
- Serum/plasma aliquots can remain at room temperature for no longer than 8 hours.
Temperature Considerations
- Temperature considerations in lab specimens are crucial to maintaining the integrity, stability, and quality of biological samples throughout the testing process.
- Different types of specimens require specific temperature conditions to preserve their characteristics and ensure accurate test results.
Protection from Light
- Some specimens, such as bilirubin, vitamin B12, and vitamin C, require protection from light to prevent degradation.
CSF
- CSF is used to diagnose meningitis infections and other brain disorders.
- This specimen is delivered STAT, and routine tests performed include cell counts, chloride, glucose, protein, and microbiology.
- Most tests require a minimum of 1 ml, and there are usually 3–4 tubes collected.
Transportation Off-Site
- The procedures for transporting specimens off-site involve several key steps to ensure the safe and timely delivery of samples to the testing facility while maintaining sample integrity.
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG) apply to the transportation of chemicals and specimens.
Phases of Laboratory Testing
- Laboratory testing involves three phases: pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical
- Pre-analytical phase includes sample collection, transportation, and processing
- Analytical phase includes laboratory analysis of samples
- Post-analytical phase includes result interpretation, reporting, and data management
Accessioning
- Accessioning is the process of receiving and processing specimens in the laboratory
- It involves verifying specimen integrity and labeling, assigning unique accession numbers, and entering patient and test information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS)
Distribution of Specimens
- Specimens are distributed to various departments, including Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, Blood Bank, Microbiology, Immunology/Serology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, and Send Out Dept
- STAT specimens should be delivered immediately and the technologist should be informed
Time Constraints for Specimens
- Molecular testing specimens (RNA testing) should be transported and processed as soon as possible due to the instability of RNA substances
- Urine specimens (C&S and UA) are dependent on timelines, and should be tested within 2 hours at room temperature or refrigerated
- Cytology specimens should be examined ASAP, and if not possible, ethanol should be added to preserve the cells
Aliquot Preparation
- Aliquot preparation involves dividing a larger volume of a specimen into smaller, standardized aliquots for storage, analysis, or distribution
- Aliquoting is done to ensure sample integrity, facilitate efficient testing, and support future testing needs
Sources of Preanalytical Errors
- Before collection: altitude, dehydration, duplicate test orders, exercise, not fasting, incomplete requisition, medication, patient stress, pregnancy, smoking
- At time of collection: misidentified patient, not letting the alcohol dry, expired tubes, not mixing properly, faulty technique, improper vein selection, incorrect order of draw, wrong tube, mislabeled tube, NSQ, wrong time, tourniquet left on too long
- During specimen transport: delay in transportation, agitation of specimen, exposure to light, wrong temperature, transport method (pneumatic tube vs. hand delivery)
- During specimen processing: contamination, delay in testing, delay in centrifugation, failure to centrifuge at the right speed, failure to separate the cells from fluid, mislabeling aliquot, multiple centrifugation, rimming clots
- During specimen storage: exposure to light, wrong temperature
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This quiz covers the importance of time constraints in collecting, transporting, and processing specimens to ensure accurate and reliable test results.