Unit 9 - Specimen Handling Flashcards
T/F
As part of the computerization network that connects many aspects of patient care, the laboratory network tracks patient specimens from the time they are collected until the results are reported.
T
The quality of results depends on proper handling of the specimen in the __________.
Preanalytical phase
Includes all the steps taken before the actual testing of the sample.
Preanalytical phase
It has been estimated that __% to __% of all laboratory errors occur prior to analysis.
46% to 68%
Specimen handling is a critical part of this phase.
Preanalytical phase
__________ handling from the time a specimen is collected until the test is performed helps ensure that results obtained on the specimen accurately reflect the status of the patient.
Proper
__________ handling is a preanalytical error that can render the most skillfully obtained specimen useless or affect the analyte (substance undergoing analysis) in a way that causes erroneous (invalid) or misleading test results, which in turn cause delayed or incorrect care for the patient.
Improper
Substance undergoing analysis.
Analyte
Factors that alter test results introduced into the specimen before TESTING, including before, and during COLLECTION, and during TRANSPORT, PROCESSING, and STORAGE.
Preanalytical errors
T/F
It is not always easy to tell when a specimen has been handled improperly.
T
T/F
To ensure delivery of a quality specimen for analysis, it is imperative that all phlebotomists be adequately instructed in this area so that established policies and procedures are followed.
T
Additive tubes require from __________ gentle inversions
3 to 10
T/F
The required number of inversions also depends on the type of additive.
T
Gentle inversion helps to distribute the additive evenly while minimizing the chance of __________.
Hemolysis
T/F
Vigorous mixing can cause hemolysis and should be avoided.
T
Examples of tests that cannot be performed on hemolyzed specimens.
Potassium (K+)
Magnesium (Mg2+)
Enzyme tests
Inadequate mixing of anticoagulant tubes leads to __________ formation, which can cause erroneous test results, especially for __________ studies.
Microclot; hematology
T/F
Inadequate mixing of gel separation tubes may prevent the additive from functioning properly, and clotting may be incomplete.
T
T/F
Nonadditive tubes do not require mixing.
T
T/F
It is important to handle and transport blood specimens carefully.
T
T/F
Rough handling and agitation can __________ specimens, activate __________, and affect __________ tests as well as break tubes.
Hemolyze; platelets; coagulation
Tubes should be transported stopper UP to reduce __________, aid clot formation in serum tubes, and prevent contact of the tube contents with the tube stopper.
Agitation
Blood in contact with tube stoppers can be a source of specimen contamination and can contribute to __________ formation during stopper removal.
Aerosol
These are typically placed in plastic bags for transportation to the laboratory.
Blood specimen tubes