computers and specimen handling and processing Flashcards
(35 cards)
What are computers used for in healthcare?
to manage data (information collected for analysis or computation)
identify and monitor patients
automate analyzers
aid in diagnosis
it is defined as having basic knowledge about computers and how to use them
computer literacy
- to be considered literate, an individual must be able to:
Know basic computer terminology
Understand the computer and its functions
Perform basic operations using computers
Be willing to adapt to the challenges computers bring
What are the requirements to be considered computer-literate?
Know basic computer terminology.
Understand the computer and its functions.
Perform basic operations using computers.
Be willing to adapt to the challenges computers bring.
it is the specialized application of information technology to develop, maintain, and use computers, systems, and networks to store, retrieve, and send information for optimizing laboratory operations.
Laboratory informatics
It is a customized computer software package designed to record, process, manage and store data from a variety of workflow processes in the laboratory.
laboratory information system (LIS)
*major part of the laboratory informatics
What are the functions of a Laboratory Information System (LIS)?
records
processes
manages
stores
- data from a variety of workflow in the lab
What are the three phases of the laboratory process in specimen handling and processing?
Pre-examination (pre-analytical): Prior to testing or analysis
Examination (analytical): During testing or analysis
Post-examination (post-analytical): After testing or analysis
In which phase do most laboratory errors occur?
preexamination (preanalytical) phase
- which begins when a patient is assessed and a test is ordered
*hence it is critical as the quality of results depends on following correct procedures, and errors in this phase can significantly impact test outcomes
Why is the preexamination phase critical in specimen handling and processing?
it is critical because the quality of results depends on following correct procedures, and errors in this phase can significantly impact test outcomes.
possible causes that errors that might occur before collection
Altitude
Dehydrated patient
Duplicate test orders
Exercise
Inadequate fast
Incomplete requisition
Medications
Patient stress
Pregnancy
Smoking
Strenuous exercise
Treatments (e.g intravenous medications, radioisotopes)
Wrong test ordered
possible causes that errors that might occur at time of collection
Misidentified patient
Antiseptic not dry
Expired tube
Failure to invert additive tubes properly
Faculty technique
Improper vein selection
Inadequate volume of blood
Inappropriate use of plasma separator tube (PST) or serum separator tube (SST)
Incorrect collection tube
possible causes that errors that might occur during specimen processing
Contamination (e.g, dust or glove powder)
Delay in processing or testing
Delay in fluid separation from cells
Evaporation
Failure to centrifuge specimen according to test requirements
Failure to separate fluid from cells
Incomplete centrifugation
Mislabeled aliquot
Multiple centrifugation
Rimming of clots
Why is it important to handle and transport blood specimens immediately?
to prevent delays in separating blood cells from plasma or serum
as delays can cause metabolic changes in the sample
it is an automated transportation system that uses a network of long tubes to connect sending and receiving stations in the laboratory to stations in various hospital areas, such as nurses’ stations.
Pneumatic Tube System (PTS or P-tube)
*one of the most common means of transporting specimens to the laboratory
time limit exceptions of ammonia
blood ammonia levels increase rapidly at room temperature
- immediately placed in an ice slurry or a cooling tray after collection
- transported STAT and separated from the cells within 15 minutes of collection
What is the ideal time frame for performing PT and PTT tests after specimen collection?
PT and PTT tests should ideally be performed within 4hours of specimen collection.
- best if all specimens for plasma-based coagulation tests are processed as soon as possible after collection.
PT vs PTT
PT test measures :
how long it takes for plasma in the blood to clot, helping identify bleeding and clotting disorders.
PTT test measures:
how long it takes for blood to clot and helps identify bleeding problems or diseases
[PT (Prothrombin Time):
time for plasma to clot via extrinsic and common pathways
PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time):
time for blood to clot via intrinsic and common pathways]
How long are glucose specimens drawn in sodium fluoride tubes stable at
- room temp:
- when refrigerated:
room temp: 24hrs
when refrigerated: 48hrs (4-8°C)
Why should glucose specimens from newborn and pediatric patients be tested as soon as possible?
as it is difficult to inhibit glycolysis in newborn and pediatric specimens
- which can affect test accuracy
What type of device is typically used to collect glucose specimens from newborn and pediatric patients?
microcollection devices are used
- allowing a small amount of blood to be collected
How soon must blood smears from EDTA specimens be prepared after collection?
within one hour of collection
How long are EDTA specimens for CBCs stable at room temperature?
analyzed within 6 hours
but are generally stable for 24 hours at room temperature
What is the testing time frame for EDTA specimens for ESR determinations?
Within 4 hours if left at room temperature
Within 12 hours if refrigerated
What does the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measure, and what does an elevated ESR indicate?
ESR measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a vertical tube over a specified period, usually one hour
An elevated ESR indicates the presence of inflammation in the body
