Specimen Collection and Transport PDF

LABORATORY ORGANIZATION, SPECIMEN COLLECTION AND TRANSPORT DR SKB BANI  COLLECTION OF LABORATORY SPECIMEN includes collection, handling and transporation of medical specimens. Many different types of specimens are received daily in a lab and it is necessary...

LABORATORY ORGANIZATION, SPECIMEN COLLECTION AND TRANSPORT DR SKB BANI  COLLECTION OF LABORATORY SPECIMEN includes collection, handling and transporation of medical specimens. Many different types of specimens are received daily in a lab and it is necessary to observe certain details to ensure that appropriate specimens are collected. 1. The specimen containers should be clearly labeled with clinical summary, the patient’s name, pathology number, sex/gender, age, ward, type of specimen, date of collection and time of collection. 2. A fully completed request form should accompany each specimen with the detailed afore-mentioned. The quality of specimens has an effect on the reliability of tests that are performed. Specimens received in a laboratory should fulfill the following requirements. 1. The specimen containers must be clean and leak proof and also sterile when necessary. 2. Special collecting trays or boxes must be used and they must be able to withstand repeated autoclaving or disinfection when necessary. 3. Specimens should be placed in tightly sealed containers; All specimens must be carried up right. 4. The containers should be free of any external spillage, and the specimens should be transported in plastic biohazard ziplock bags. 5. Collect the specimen from the actual site of infection, avoiding contamination from adjacent tissues or secretions. 6. Request forms should be kept separate from the specimens to prevent contamination. 7. Enough amount of specimen should be collected to perform the intended laboratory test(s). 8. Specimens that are suspected or containing dangerous pathogens, must be labeled as “Dangerous or highly infectious” and handled with special precautions. Example: Specimens containing Bacillus anthrax, Human (HIV), HBV, etc 9. If a specimen is to be sent by air to a referral laboratories, it must be packed with due regard to the correct postal regulations. These include: A. Should bear “Specimen (s) must be sent by air.’’ B. Must be labeled clearly with permanent marker. C. It must be in sealed containers. D. The sealed containers must be placed in plastic bag(s). 1.Blood Culture Tubes or Vials 2.Coagulation Tubes (Blue-Top Tubes) 3.Serum Tubes without Clot Activator or Gel (Red-Top tubes) 4.Serum Tubes with Clot Activator or Gel (Gold or Tiger Top Tubes) 5.Heparin Tubes (Green-Top Tubes) 6.EDTA Tubes (Lavender-Top Tubes) 7.Oxalate/Fluoride Tubes (Gray-Top Tubes Packaging and Transporting Specimens to the Laboratory from Another Site Transportation of Laboratory Specimens Ø require packaging that Ø 1. will protect specimens during transport and Ø 2. prevent contact with the public and Ø 3. the environment. This is accomplished by using the following 3-part packaging system: Ø A primary leak-proof APPROPRIETE SPECIMEN CONTEINER Ø A secondary leak-proof container (resealable plastic bag) to contain any leakage in the event of damage. Ø A rigid outer packaging (specimen transport box - STB) to protect specimens from damage if package is dropped. Instructions for Packaging Specimens Ø All specimens must be packaged carefully to avoid breakage or leakage of the specimen. Ø Ensure all container lids are tightly secured before packaging. Ø Ensure specimens are labeled accordingly. Ø Place blood tubes, urine containers, etc. containing liquid into the box in an upright position whenever possible. Ø Always transport the specimen transport box (STB) in an upright position. Instructions for Packaging Specimens Ø Package Microbiology, Cytology and Anatomic Pathology specimens into individual pouch bags. Ø Place all bagged samples, racks, etc. into a large resealable bag. Ø Please use one requisition per patient and place it in the bag's outside pouch. Ø Place multiple Microbiology samples collected from one patient (e.g. a cervical swab and vaginal swab but NOT including Cytology and /or Anatomical Pathology samples), together into one bag. ØDO NOT roll specimen in the requisition or attach specimen to the requisition using tape, elastics OR staples. ØTo provide safe handling, these specimens should be placed inside a resealable plastic bag (preferably a two pocket specimen bag) prior to pick-up by the courier. Refrigerated Specimens Ø Keep specimens refrigerated before forwarding, unless otherwise indicated. Ø When ready to forward, enclose ice pack to assist in maintaining temperature. Ø Ensure specimen container is not in direct contact with ice pack so specimen does not freeze. Frozen Specimens Ø store specimen in refrigerator until courier pick-up. Ø Clearly mark "FREEZE" on the specimen container to ensure it is frozen upon receipt. Ø For transport, secure specimen between two ice packs in order to maintain refrigerated conditions during transport. Ø You May have to hold-on to samples on weekends or statutory holidays to keep samples frozen at the collection site until first regular working day. Ø Use plastic containers when sending frozen specimens. Ø Never fill more than three-quarters full to avoid tube breaking or caps popping during freezing. WORKLOAD CAPACITY OF A LABORATORY Workload capacity should be matched to the number of staff and their level of training, the size of the laboratory and the availability of laboratory facilities. Ideally, microscopic work per day should not exceed a total of four per hours (example, a total of about 24 stool microscopy per day). N.B: When the amount of work requested is beyond the capabilities of a laboratory, testing of specimens become unreliable and safety measures tend to be ignored. On the other hand, too little work can also lead to unreliable test results due to lack of concentration.