Intro & Types of Transport Flashcards
What is the main goal in transporting specimens? (1)
To hand and deliver specimens as quickly and safely as possible
What may a delay in serum/platelet separation (centrifugation) result in? (1)
Metabolic changes to the sample
What are 4 ways that a sample can be affected by improper transportation? (4)
- Hemolyze specimens
- Activate platelets (clotting)
- Affect the coagulation tests
- Break the test tubes or containers
What 3 things does OHSA and CLSI require of all bags with specimen? (3)
- Biohazard symbol
- Liquid-tight closure seal
- Slip pocket for paperwork
List 4 ways that specimens may be delivered on-site. (4)
- pneumatic tube system (PTS)
- By hand
- By robotic arm
- Porters
State 2 things that must be in carriers for transport. (2)
- Foam pads or special padded liners (cushioning)
2. Zipper-type plastic liners (anti-leakage)
What is regularly quality-checked in pneumatic tube systems? (2)
- Vibration
2. Shock effects
What do CLSI guidelines state about tests negatively affected by the pneumatic tube system? (1)
Tests negatively affected by the system are those influenced by red cell damage
List 4 tests that are negatively affected by the pneumatic tube system? (4)
- Potassium
- Plasma hemoglobin
- Acid-phosphatase
- Lactase dehydrogenase
List 4 locations specimens can be delivered to and from off-site transportation. (4)
- Clinical labs
- Medical offices
- Patient service centers
- Private homes
List the 4 layers that blood tubes are put into from innermost to outermost. (4)
- Sponge
- Rack
- Ziplock bag
- Container
How must specimens be placed in the sponge and rack? (1)
Upright
Why is it important for the transport box to be closed? (1)
Avoid spills and contamination
Where in the transport vehicle should the transport box be placed and why? (3)
- Floor behind the driver’s side
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Avoid direct vents (strong air currents)
What is placed in transport containers? (2)
- Absorbent pads or multiple pads
2. Labelled specimens and requisitions or labels
State and define the 2 categories of specimens. (2)
- Category A → infectious substance capable of causing permanent disability, life-threatening or fatal disease in normally healthy humans or animals
- Category B → infectious substance that does not meet the criteria for Cat A
Differentiate between the 2 UN numbers for category A specimens. (2)
- Disease in humans → UN2814
2. Disease in animals → UN2900
List 5 examples of category A substances. (5)
- Anthracs
- Ebola virus
- Poliovirus
- West Nile virus
- Yellow fever virus
What UN number are category B substances assigned? (1)
UN 3373
What common type of lab specimen is included in category B? (1)
Lab specimens transported for diagnostic purposes
What is required for diagnostic specimens transported by a public carrier?
Triple packaging
