Laboratory - Sampling Flashcards
Why do we carry out an FNA?
- To examine cutaneous masses.
- Assess cell morphology.
- Allows examination of any part of the body (including abdomen, thorax and joints).
What is the patient preparation for FNAs? In terms of positioning and chemical restraint.
- Generally done conscious and well tolerated.
- Positioning will depend on location of the lump.
What sized needle would you use for an FNA?
- 21G-25G.
If you had a sample of pleural fluids, where is this from?
- The pleural cavity lining the lungs.
If you had a sample of peritoneal fluids, where would this be from?
- The abdomen.
If you had a sample of synovial fluids, where is this from?
- The joints.
If you had a sample of cerebrospinal fluids, where is this from?
- The spinal cord.
What components make up a transudate?
- A fluid with LOW PROTEINS and LOW WBCs. Moved out of capillaries due to abnormality in pressure. E.g congestive heart failure.
What is an exudate?
- During the inflammation process (i.e wounds, fluid leaks out - capillaries dilate). Lots of protein and WBCs!
- Can lead to infection and deterioration of wound.
What is a modified transudate?
- Moderate level of protein and WBCs. Fluid build up. Can turn into exudate over time.
what is an effusion?
- An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body/body cavities discussed earlier.
What might cause an effusion?
- If there’s inflammation it causes an increased volume of fluid.
If the effusion is red what might this mean?
- Blood, signifies trauma or inflammation.
What might it mean if the effusion was a white/cloudy colour?
- WBCs and proteins present. Infection or inflammation.
What is the difference between the turbidity of a normal and abnormal fluid/effusion?
- Normal = not cloudy, clear.
- Abnormal = Cloudy (WBC and protein build up).
What is the specific gravity?
- The density related to water.
What does a higher specific gravity of this fluid signify?
- More WBCs and proteins present. Potential infection.
What is an arthrocentesis?
- The collection of synovial fluid from the joints.
What issues does collecting this sample investigate?
- Synovitis, lameness and arthritis.
Does arthocentesis require flexion or extension of the joint and why?
- Flexion to create better access to the joint cavity.
What containers are suitable to put the synovial fluid into?
- Plain tube or EDTA tube.
What equipment is needed to carry out an arthrocentesis?
- Sample container, generally EDTA
- Needle & syringe
- Clippers
- Chlorhexadine
- Pen to label.
Why might you take a cerebrospinal fluid sample?
- Collected from a neurological patient or prior to myelography for imagine a spinal cord for possible trauma or neoplasia.
What are the 2 methods in which you can acquire this sample?
- Suboccipital puncture.
- Lumbar puncture.