Pre - Analytical Sampling and Sample Handling Flashcards
What does pre - analytics mean?
All determine factors / processes which influence a specimen BEFORE it is analysed in the lab.
It is essential to follow SOPP guidelines. What does SOPP mean?
S = standard O = operating P = procedures P = protocols
What is haemolysis?
Breakage of RBC’s membrane and thus, releases intracellular components into surrounding fluid.
What can haemolysis due to a sample being sent to the lab?
An inaccurate result is produced.
Specimen is rejected by the lab.
How can haemolysis occur?
Improper specimen collection Vigorous handling Prolonged tourniquet usage Difficult venipuncture Certain health conditions
What are the containment levels for a sample lab?
There are rankings from 1 - 4.
LOWEST is 1 = unlikely to cause human disease.
HIGHEST is 4 = likely to cause SEVERE human disease.
What is the biosafety?
Set of biocontainment precautions required to isolate dangerous agents.
What are some routes of infection?
Aerosols / Fume
Inoculation by sharps injuries
Fecal - Oral route = due to lack of washing hands.
Ingestion - via hand / mouth contact.
In terms of personal safety, what are the key points?
Wear PPE.
Leave personal items outside lab.
Keep workspaces clean and tidy using the 6S system.
No drinking / eating / smoking etc.
What is the 6S system?
Sort Set in order Shine Standardize Sustain Safety
What is the ‘Human Tissues Act’?
It is a legislation on how to act with human tissue.
What is centrifugation?
A process by which usage of centrifugal force separates mixtures and is carried out on a centrifuge.
What does separation depend on?
Centrifuge Tine
Rotor Speed
What does a clotting sample consist of?
Serum
Gel Matrix
RBC
What does a non - clotting sample consist of?
Plasma
Buffy coat (leukocytes and platelets)
Erythrocytes
How is a centrifuge balanced?
All buckets must be in the rotor.
The loads must equal the weight of the opposing bucket.
Opposing samples must be arranged diametrically.
What does the quality of a sample depend on?
Temperature (18 - 24 degrees)
Time ( total duration of spin)
Rotor speed (RCF / RPM)
Brake Settings
What is a RCF?
This commonly known as ‘G - Force’.
How can the sample quality be affected if the centrifuge is not set up properly?
Poor gel formation
Breakages
Poor sample quality = inaccurate results
What are the two types of pipettes used in labs?
Transfer pipette = also known as disposable transfer pipette.
Air Displacement pipette.
What is the MOST RECOMMENDED pipette?
Air displacement pipette.
It is used for smaller, MORE accurate volumes to be dispensed.
Explain more about the disposable transfer pipette.
This the most common type of pipette which is used in pre - analytical research lab kits.
Where are samples normally labelled?
These are usually labelled in phlebotomy.
In terms of dry ice - what is the code which should be marked on it?
UN 1845 = this allows it to be declared via marking / labelling / documentation.
The weight must be mentioned in kilograms.
What is the code for biological substances of category B?
UN3373.
What is the emergency procedures required to be followed if Category A or B substance leaks or spills?
Mitigation Procedures.
First Aid.
What does pre - analytics affect?
They influence a specimen.
Why are blood tube expiry dates important?
May degrade and therefore, the sample is not analysed accurately.
What does correct labelling and tracking ensure?
Participant safety.
