Specimen Handling and Transport PDF

 SPECIMEN HANDLING AND TRANSPORT Handling requirements include pre-collection specifics. When tests require specific timing, heat, cold, or protection from light, your role in transporting specimens to the laboratory after collection is as important as the ven...

 SPECIMEN HANDLING AND TRANSPORT Handling requirements include pre-collection specifics. When tests require specific timing, heat, cold, or protection from light, your role in transporting specimens to the laboratory after collection is as important as the venipuncture for securing a high‑quality test result. Delivery of specimens from clinics or blood-collection stations to reference laboratories should be as prompt as possible. With delays between collection and processing, glucose in blood cells can break down and interfere with results of various tests, such as phosphorus, glucose, aldosterone, calcitonin, and enzymes. It is also essential to transport microbiology specimens quickly so that the exudate. Any material such as laboratory technicians can transfer the specimens to the culture medium or incubator. These fluid, cells, or cellular debris that collects in tissues or on samples include blood, urine, sputum, wound exudate, stool, and other body substances. The sooner tissue surfaces, usually as they get to the environment where micro-organisms can grow, the sooner the technicians can a result of inflammation. identify them and generate the results so that the patients can receive specific treatment. The delivery process must include adequate specimen handling, packaging, and communication with the courier or other delivery services. Coordinate the schedule of pickups, including the process for delivering stat specimens, where to place the specimens for pickup, and how to document the delivery process accurately and completely. Temperature For thermolabile specimens—which require a specific temperature—use a heat source, heat block, ice slurry. Thick mixture ice slurry, refrigerator, or freezer. Do not use cold or ice packs because they are unreliable. Avoid of water and ice. fluctuating temperatures. Tests that require specific handling of specimens include ammonia and lactic acid, for which the blood tube must sit in an ice slurry immediately after collection. For cold agglutinins, the sample must remain at body temperature—37° C (98.6° F). Protect blood samples for bilirubin and folate levels by wrapping the blood tube in foil. Store specimens for blood gas tests at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes or in an ice slurry for up to 1 hour. Delivery speed is crucial to prevent the loss of gases from the blood prior to analysis. For coagulation tests, analysis should take place within 1 hour of collection. Prothrombin time is an exception. A delay up to 24 hours at room temperature will not affect the results. Room temperature for laboratory purposes is 22° C (71.6° F). Protect all photosensitive specimens from light. National Healthcareer Association Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) Certification Study Guide Focused Review   Time For timed tests, make sure the patient has satisfied the testing requirements. For example, a 2-hour postprandial blood glucose level requires a fasting blood glucose level plus a blood glucose test exactly 2 hours after the patient started eating a meal or consumed the liquid glucose preparation. Other timed tests include peak and trough values for antibiotics like gentamicin or vancomycin, for which you must collect blood samples at a specific time after the administration of the antibiotics. Coordinate these procedures with the nurses to ensure accurate results. Labels Label every type of collection container immediately after collection with the patient’s name and identification number, the date and time of collection, and the specimen type. Position it correctly on the tube or container. If the facility requires it, sign or initial the specimen. Then compare the information on the label with the patient’s wristband, or verbally verify it with the patient. If the container has a lid, make sure that the label is on the container, not on the lid. Urine Wear gloves when handling patient-collected nonblood specimens. Replace gloves between each specimen. Correct handling is essential, and incorrect handling can affect the quality of the specimen. For example, components of urine change if the specimen stands at room temperature for too long. If the specimen will not undergo testing immediately, refrigerate urine specimens and get them to the laboratory for processing within 1 hour of collection. Some urine tests are best performed at room temperature. Be aware of what test will be performed to ensure proper handling of the specimen. Use evacuated transport tubes containing preservatives for transporting urine specimens to reference laboratories. To transfer urine from a collection container to the transport container, use a disposable pipette, or pour the urine into the tube after removing the stopper. Preservatives in these tubes prevent bacterial overgrowth and prevent changes in the urine that can affect test results. National Healthcareer Association Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) Certification Study Guide Focused Review   When handling preserved urine specimens, keep the tubes at room temperature no longer than 72 hours before performing a urinalysis with chemical reagent strip testing. Keep tubes for culture and sensitivity tests at room temperature for up to 72 hours. Otherwise, if not preserved, refrigerate them if there is any delay in transporting the urine to laboratory for transfer to the culture medium. Complete the laboratory requisition forms for all specimens for transportation to other sites for analysis. This form should include the patient’s name, date, type of test, requesting provider’s name, ICD-10-CM code for diagnosis (if the form requires it), and a line where the provider can sign after reviewing the results. When sending specimens to the laboratory, use plastic biohazard bags with zipper seals. These bags feature an outside pocket in which to place the laboratory request. They also protect those who transport the specimen from any pathogens in the specimen. Ideally, blood tubes should remain upright during transportation to prevent unnecessary agitation (which could cause hemolysis. The breakdown hemolysis) and to promote effective clotting in specimens that do not have anticoagulant additives. of red blood cells. Delivery methods Hand delivery is direct to a reference laboratory, following timeliness of delivery guidelines, completing log-in processes, and using necessary carrying devices (trays, carts, tube racks, leakproof containers). Pneumatic tube systems are most often found in an inpatient setting. These systems have enhanced mechanical reliability, increased transport distance and speed, specific control mechanisms, and shock-absorbing features to help prevent hemolysis of blood samples. There is an inner padding that lines the canister and separates the blood tubes. Disruption of red blood cells during this type of transport can affect the results of tests for potassium, plasma hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, and acid phosphatase. Coagulation specimens also need protection from shock and vibration to prevent platelet activation. For most other tests, this is an efficient means of transport that does not interfere with analysis. Automated carrier uses a transport vehicle, such as a motorized container car that travels on a network of tracks to various destinations within the facility. This includes some of the same features of pneumatic tube systems. National Healthcareer Association Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) Certification Study Guide Focused Review