Laboratory Samples

Question 1

What information in required for all samples?

Answer 1

Patient information, client name & file number, sample type, means of collection, date and time of collection, Patient history.

Question 2

Which collection tubes are used for collecting serum samples?

Answer 2

Red Top Tubes, Gold Top or Tiger Top tubes

Question 3

What is the preferred tube for CBC samples?

Answer 3

Lavender Top Tube

Question 4

Which tube requires a full draw in order to obtain valid results in a coagulation study?

Answer 4

Blue Top Tube

Question 5

Which type of tube is required for Canine Pregnancy tests?

Answer 5

Green Top Tube

Question 6

What type of tube is Serum and Plasma transferred to for storage/transportation?

Answer 6

Red Top Tube

Question 7

What are the collection methods for urine samples?

Answer 7

Cystocentesis, Catheterization, Free Flow, Table Top/Floor/Cage

Question 8

What methods of urine collection are acceptable for Culture and Sensitivity testing?

Answer 8

Cystocentesis (preferred) and Catheterization

Question 9

Describe possible complications of cystocentesis

Answer 9

• iatrogenic blood contamination

- post-procedural haematuria

Question 10

Describe possible complications of catheterization.

Answer 10

• Nosocomial urinary tract infection
• iatrogenic blood contamination and sloughing of urethral epithelial cells into the sample (if procedure not done correctly)

Question 11

Why should a free flow sample be collected mid-stream?

Answer 11

to reduce the contamination of the sample; much of the debris and bacteria in the distal urethra is flushed out during the initial voiding.

Question 12

What is one advantage of free flow collection?

Answer 12

The client can collect the sample at home.

Question 13

What tests is a table top/floor/cage floor urine sample most suitable for?

Answer 13

sediment and chemistry strip

Question 14

How should urine be stored if not analyzed within 30 minutes? why?

Answer 14

Urine should be refrigerated

• prolonged storage at room temperature can result in changes in pH, bacterial growth and any crystal which may be present?
• if being sent to an outside laboratory, spin half, resuspend the pellet and make an air-dried, non-fixed smear for cytology. keep remainder in a sterile container and ship on ice (not frozen)

Question 15

How is tissue preserved to be sent for diagnostic tests?

Answer 15

• 10% buffered formalin
• 70% ethanol
• frozen

Question 16

Why must tissue samples in formalin be no more than 1cm thick?

Answer 16

if any thicker, the formalin will not penetrate through to the centre of the sample before the core begins to necrotize.

Question 17

What is the correct fixative:tissue ratio?

Answer 17

• 10:1

- if ration is too low, the formalin becomes too dilute to properly preserve the tissues, and necrosis will occur.

Question 18

What happens when formalinized tissue are placed in the refrigerator?

Answer 18

the decreased temperature slows the rate of tissue penetration and necrotic tissue may result. The correct temperature at which to store formalinized tissue is room temperature.