special collections and POCT Flashcards
Tests that require specific and unique collection procedures, not usually performed in the laboratory.
special collection tests
What are the key components of special collection preparation?
Special instructions
Special preparation
Special equipment
Special handling
Special timing
What are the specimen requirements for blood bank tests?
Lavender- or pink-top EDTA tubes
Non-additive glass red-top tubes (depending on facility protocol)
What should you do if unsure about specimen requirements for a test?
Always ask the laboratory at the facility where the collection is being performed, as policies may vary.
What are the strict identification and labeling requirements for blood bank specimens?
Patient’s full name
Patient’s hospital ID number
Patient’s date of birth
Date and time of collection
Phlebotomist’s initials
Is the patient’s room number part of the identifier for blood bank specimens? Why or why not?
No, because patients are frequently transferred between rooms.
what is a special identification system used for blood bank specimens?
ID bracelet with self-carbon adhesive label for specimens
Blood ID-band with linear bar-coded BBID numbers
What does the blood type and screen test determine?
The patient’s ABO blood type, Rh factor (+ or -), and screens for antibodies.
What is the purpose of a crossmatch test?
To determine compatibility between the patient’s blood and the donor’s blood.
What does a phlebotomist compare when collecting a blood bank specimen?
The labeled blood bank tube with the patient’s blood bank ID bracelet.
By a unique ID sticker that exactly matches the ID on the tube of blood collected for the crossmatch.
To determine the presence and extent of infection, identify the type of organism responsible, and find the best antibiotic to use.
blood culture tests
- it is ordered when a patient has a condition suggesting bloodstream invasion and a fever
Why is blood considered sterile?
It is free from microorganisms, as lymph nodes filter microorganisms from the blood.
What is sepsis, and how does it relate to blood cultures?
Sepsis is an overwhelming immune response to a bloodstream infection, causing widespread inflammation and damage. Blood cultures help diagnose the causative organism.
What are the special requirements for blood culture collections?
2-4 blood culture sets (or 1-2 sets with SPS if resources are limited)
Collected at different sites (e.g., right/left antecubital fossa, right/left hand)
What is the protocol for blood cultures in cases of fever of unknown origin (FUO)?
Collect 2-3 blood cultures from different sites.
If fever persists and no positive results, recollect 2 more sets.
Collect before or during a fever spike, or follow laboratory policy if timing is uncertain.
How far apart should blood cultures be drawn?
30 to 60 minutes apart, unless the patient is in critical condition or physician instructions differ.
What types of special bottles are used for blood cultures?
Yellow: Anaerobic cultures
Grey: Aerobic cultures
Red: Fungal cultures
How does patient age affect blood culture collection?
The volume of blood collected depends on the patient’s age.
Why is skin antisepsis the most critical part of blood culture collection?
To destroy skin microorganisms, prevent contamination, and avoid misinterpretation of normal flora as the cause of infection.
acceptable:
Chlorhexidine gluconate
Tincture of iodine
Povidone-iodine with 70% ethanol (used when the top two are unavailable)
*30 to 60-second friction scrub in a circular motion. Do not wipe the area twice.
What is the purpose of the initial specimen diversion?
To reduce blood culture contamination by diverting 1.5 to 2 mL of the first blood collected, which may contain skin plugs, cells, and microbes.
Why is the next portion of blood collected after initial specimen diversion used for blood cultures?
It is less likely to contain contaminants from the skin
What is an intermediate collection tube, and when is it used
A yellow-top SPS tube used in place of a blood culture bottle.
however, the use of intermediate collection tubes is discouraged as:
Increases final concentration of SPS.
Increases risk of contamination.
Exposes lab staff to higher risks.
Collecting specimens directly into blood culture bottles using a butterfly needle and specially designed holder.
direct inoculation in blood culture collection
When using direct inoculation, which blood culture bottle is filled first and why?
The aerobic bottle, as air from the tubing will not affect it.
How can backflow be avoided during direct inoculation?
Keep the culture bottle lower than the collection site.
Transferring blood into culture bottles using a syringe and safety transfer device.
syringe inoculation in blood culture collection
When using syringe inoculation, which blood culture bottle is filled first and why?
The anaerobic bottle, to avoid introducing air into the sample.
precautions should be taken:
Hold the plunger to control blood flow.
Avoid pushing the plunger to prevent hemolysis and aerosol formation.
Change the needle after contact with the skin.
Why is changing the needle after skin contact important in blood culture collection
To avoid transferring contaminants from the skin into the blood culture bottle.
How should culture bottles be prepared during the procedure?
Remove the flip-off cap and inspect for defects.
Cleanse the bottle stoppers with alcohol while the site is drying.
Only use alcohol not iodine
What is important to mark on blood culture bottles before collection?
The minimum and maximum fill levels.
What is the correct technique for venipuncture during blood culture collection?
Reapply the tourniquet.
Perform venipuncture without touching or re-palpating the site.
Fill bottles directly and invert several times.
How should the patient’s skin be cleaned if iodine was used?
Clean the site to remove residual iodine.
What information must be included on the bottle label?
Required patient information.
Blood collection site (to help identify localized infections if positive).
Why is it important to transport blood culture specimens to the lab quickly?
To ensure the accuracy of results by preventing microbial growth or death.
What are Antimicrobial Neutralization Products (ARD/FAN), and what is their purpose?
Products containing resin to remove or neutralize antimicrobials/antibiotics from the blood.
Prevents antimicrobials from inhibiting microorganism growth.
When should blood collection for culture in ARD tubes be timed?
Right before the next antibiotic dose, when antibiotic levels are at their lowest.
Why is pediatric blood culture collection considered difficult?
Due to the smaller blood volume and the need for specialized equipment and techniques.
What type of blood culture bottles are used for pediatric collection
Special bottles with different volumes and broth formulations.
How is the site cleansed for pediatric blood culture collection?
The site is cleansed twice with 70% isopropyl alcohol or ethanol.
What is the maximum blood volume typically collected for pediatric blood cultures?
Up to 4 mL of blood.