Avoiding Mistakes Flashcards
avoiding error in specimen labeling
Right Patient
Right Test
Right site
Labelled with NAME, DOB, Source/Location
Label before sample is obtained
Venipuncture
Source of error: wrong tube, wrong order
culture errors
distinguishing between NORMAL and Pathogenic flora is very important.
When doing wound cultures and skin cultures, need to know what is most common
Skin infection sources
- Methicillin-Resistante Staph aureus, MRSA
2. Beta-hemolytic streptococci group A, B, C, F, G
Middle ear infection sources
- Streptococcus pneumonia
2. hemophilus influenzae
Outer ear infection source
pseudomonas aeruginosa
Oropharynx infection source
- Virus- most common cause
2. Group A strep
Respiratory pathogens
- streptococcus pneuomoniae
2. Viruses
Vaginal infection sources
- Gardnerella vaginalis
- Candida
- thrichomonas vaginalis
- chlamidia trachomatis
- neisseria gonorrhea
Urinary Tract infection source
E. Coli, 75-90%
GI infection sources
- Helicobacter pylori-stomach
- viruses-stomach
- SSYC-stool
- c.diff-stool
- enterotoxic e.coli- stool
Urine culture cross contamination
early AM cultures are best
collect midstream, this flushes out contaminants
pre-packaged castille soaps to wipe beforehand
catheter warning–> can introduce bacteria and make things worse
Wound culture cross contamination
Use PPE
Closed, deep wound calls for anaerobic culturing
Culture from the pus, NOT the surrounding skin
Nasopharyngeal culture cross contamination
proper technique, go horizontally into nasopharynx. Reduced sensitivity with poor technique!
use correct swab (red-cap for viral, sterile NP for influenza)
Throat culture cross contamination
Use PPE. Culture from tonsils, NOT from uvula, soft palate or tongue
Aim for pus
Use aerobic culture
