computers and specimen handling and processing

Question 1

What are computers used for in healthcare?

Answer 1

to manage data
identify and monitor patients
automate analyzers
aid in diagnosis.

Question 2

it is defined as having basic knowledge about computers and how to use them.

Answer 2

computer literacy

Question 3

What are the requirements to be considered computer-literate?

Answer 3

Know basic computer terminology.
Understand the computer and its functions.
Perform basic operations using computers.
Be willing to adapt to the challenges computers bring.

Question 4

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.

Answer 4

Laboratory informatics

Question 5

It is a customized computer software package designed to record, process, manage and store data from a variety of workflow processes in the laboratory.

Answer 5

laboratory information system (LIS)
*major part of the laboratory.

Question 6

What are the functions of a Laboratory Information System (LIS)?

Answer 6

records
processes
manages
stores
- data from laboratory workflows.

Question 7

What are the three phases of the laboratory process?

Answer 7

Preexamination (preanalytical): Prior to testing or analysis.
Examination (analytical): During testing or analysis.
Postexamination (postanalytical): After testing or analysis.

Question 8

In which phase do most laboratory errors occur?

Answer 8

preexamination (preanalytical) phase
- which begins when a patient is assessed and a test is ordered.

Question 9

Why is the preexamination phase critical in specimen handling and processing?

Answer 9

it is critical because the quality of results depends on following correct procedures, and errors in this phase can significantly impact test outcomes.

Question 10

possible causes that errors that might occur before collection

Answer 10

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

Question 11

possible causes that errors that might occur at time of collection

Answer 11

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

Question 12

possible causes that errors that might occur during specimen processing

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Why is it important to handle and transport blood specimens immediately?

Answer 13

To prevent delays in separating blood cells from plasma or serum, as delays can cause metabolic changes in the sample.

Question 14

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.

Answer 14

Pneumatic Tube System (PTS or P-tube)

*one of the most common means of transporting specimens to the laboratory

Question 15

time limit exceptions: ammonia

Answer 15

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

Question 16

What is the ideal time frame for performing PT and PTT tests after specimen collection?

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

PT vs PTT

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

How long are glucose specimens drawn in sodium fluoride tubes stable at
- room temp:
- when refrigerated:

Answer 18

• room temp:
  24hrs
• when refrigerated:
  48hrs (4-8°C)

Question 19

Why should glucose specimens from newborn and pediatric patients be tested as soon as possible?

Answer 19

Because it is difficult to inhibit glycolysis in newborn and pediatric specimens, which can affect test accuracy.

Question 20

What type of device is typically used to collect glucose specimens from newborn and pediatric patients?

Answer 20

Microcollection devices are used, allowing a small amount of blood to be collected.

Question 21

How soon must blood smears from EDTA specimens be prepared after collection?

Answer 21

within one hour of collection.

Question 22

How long are EDTA specimens for CBCs stable at room temperature?

Answer 22

analyzed within 6 hours
but are generally stable for 24 hours at room temperature.

Question 23

What is the testing time frame for EDTA specimens for ESR determinations?

Answer 23

Within 4 hours if left at room temperature.
Within 12 hours if refrigerated.

Question 24

What does the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measure, and what does an elevated ESR indicate?

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

How long are EDTA specimens for reticulocyte counts stable?

Answer 25

Up to 6 hours at room temperature.
Up to 72 hours if refrigerated

Question 26

Why must plasma preparation tubes (PPTs) for molecular testing be processed as soon as possible?

Answer 26

Because RNA substances/materials are extremely unstable.
- molecular testing, such as hepatitis C RNA tests

Question 27

What should be done if an RNA test cannot be run immediately?

Answer 27

The plasma can be stored at 4°C for up to 48 hours.
If not tested within that time, it must be transferred to an aliquot tube and frozen at -80°C.

Question 28

How long can plasma for RNA tests be stored at 4°C before it needs to be frozen?

Answer 28

It can be stored for up to 48 hours.

Question 29

What types of specimens are collected for microbiology cultures?

Answer 29

blood, urine, throat swabs, and wound samples.

Question 30

How long does it typically take to process a microbiology culture?

Answer 30

takes 18 to 24 hours to process
- important to transport and process microbiology specimens quickly to preserve microorganisms in the specimens so they can be properly identified

Question 31

How should urine specimens be handled if they cannot be transported to the lab immediately?

Answer 31

They can be held at room temperature and protected from bright light for up to 2 hours.

*Prompt transport ensures accurate test results by preventing degradation or changes in the specimen.

Question 32

What should be done with urine specimens that need to be held for longer than 2 hours?

Answer 32

They should be refrigerated.

Question 33

It involves the possibility of exposure to blood borne pathogens (BBP)

Answer 33

specimen processing

Question 34

What do OSHA BBP regulations require for specimen processors?

Answer 34

They must wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

Question 35

What are examples of specimen rejection criteria due to contamination?

Answer 35

Contaminated specimen - Urine C&S in an unsterile container
Delay in processing - Glucose specimen that was not separated from the cells until four hours after collection
Hemolysis - Hemolyzed potassium specimen
Inadequate, inaccurate or missing patient ID - Urine specimen that is not labeled
Outdated tube
Wrong tube
QNS (quantity not sufficient)