Specimen Processing and Transportation

Question 1

Ensure that the specimen is properly labeled

Answer 1

Patient name, Patient medical record #, Collection date and time, specimen type and source, test required, ordering physician.

Question 2

Hemolysis (1)

Answer 2

Hemolysis is a result of red blood cells destroyed.

Question 3

Hemolysis (2)

Answer 3

Avoid tourniquet application longer than 1 minute.

Question 4

Hemolysis (3)

Answer 4

After cleansing with alcohol, allow the site to air-dry.

Question 5

Hemolysis (4)

Answer 5

Do not collect a blood specimen in a site that has hematoma.

Question 6

Hemolysis (5)

Answer 6

Avoid pulling the syringe plunger back too quickly, When mixing blood in tubes containing Additives, gently invert them.

Question 7

QNS

Answer 7

Quantity Not Sufficient

Question 8

Labeling

Answer 8

All specimens should be properly labeled according to standard guidelines.

Question 9

Packaging

Answer 9

All specimens should be appropriately packaged in leak-proof containers. Be aware of special requirements for specimens, including temperature, protection from light, etc.

Question 10

Centrifuging

Answer 10

Tubes are placed in a centrifuge, which then spins the specimen to separate the contents based on density, with less dense components, such as plasma or serum forming the top layers.

Question 11

Aliquoting

Answer 11

Specimens that need to be distributed to and processed by various labs, small portions of the specimen, known as aliquots, are transferred into separate containers before transport.

Question 12

Store specimens in the conditions appropriate to the purpose of collection (1)

Answer 12

Blood should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection, or generally within 45 minutes of collection.

Question 13

Store specimens in the conditions appropriate to the purpose of collection (2)

Answer 13

While some specimens can be held for 24-48 hours before being tested, blood smears from EDTA tubes must be processed within 1 hour of collection.

Question 14

Store specimens in the conditions appropriate to the purpose of collection (3)

Answer 14

Some specimens, such as cold agglutinins, are required to maintain a temperature of 37⁰ C, and heel warmers should be wrapped around the specimen storage and transport.

Question 15

Store specimens in the conditions appropriate to the purpose of collection (4)

Answer 15

Some specimens, such as pyruvate and lactic acid, should be stored in ice to keep it chilled prior to transport to the laboratory.

Question 16

Store specimens in the conditions appropriate to the purpose of collection (5)

Answer 16

Other specimens need to remain at room temperature, and special care needs to be taken when transporting these specimens to outside facilities.

Question 17

Clinical Laboratory Sections

Answer 17

The medical laboratory is an area in a healthcare facility where inpatient and outpatient diagnostic testing is conducted

Question 18

Hematology Section

Answer 18

Tests performed in this department include WBC counts, RBC counts, CBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit (Hct), RBC indices, and platelet counts.

Question 19

Chemistry Section

Answer 19

The most commonly performed tests within this department include those for blood glucose levels, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), total protein, etc.

Question 20

Blood Bank Section (1)

Answer 20

This is the section of the laboratory where blood is collected, stored, and prepared for transfusion.

Question 21

Blood Bank Section (2)

Answer 21

Tests done in the blood bank require a red top (plain) tube or a lavender or pink top tube.

Question 22

Specimens must have the following identification information (1)

Answer 22

Patient’s full name and date of birth, Patient’s hospital identification number (inpatient), Outpatient’s social security number.

Question 23

Specimens must have the following identification information (2)

Answer 23

Date and time of collection, Medical Assistant’s (or phlebotomist’s) initials.

Question 24

Microbiology Section

Answer 24

The primary sections of this department include parasitology, the study of parasites; virology, the study of viruses and resulting diseases; mycology, the study of fungi; and bacteriology, the study of bacteria.

Question 25

Specimen Transportation

Answer 25

Specimen transportation should occur as soon as possible. Once the specimen is labeled and either placed in a rack or carrier, the specimen should arrive at the lab so processing can begin.