5 Specimen Handling and Collection Practice Free Online FlashCards

What should be confirmed before collecting a specimen?

Confirm the test request, required specimen type and tube, and patient identity using the required identifiers.

What is the venous order of draw?

Blood cultures, sodium citrate, serum, heparin, EDTA, then glycolytic inhibitor tubes.

What is a common capillary collection sequence?

Collect hematology first, then chemistry, then blood bank specimens, unless the laboratory specifies a different sequence.

Why should forceful squeezing be avoided during capillary collection?

Avoid forceful squeezing: it can dilute the sample with tissue fluid and increase hemolysis.

How should additive tubes be mixed?

Gently invert additive tubes promptly, using the number of inversions specified by the manufacturer or laboratory procedure.

Why should specimen tubes not be shaken?

Do not shake tubes; vigorous mixing can damage blood cells.

How does handling differ for tubes without additives?

Tubes without additives generally are not inverted for anticoagulant mixing. Serum tubes may need to clot before further processing.

When and where should a primary specimen be labeled?

Label each primary container immediately after collection, in the patient's presence, according to facility policy.

What information commonly belongs on a specimen label?

Labels commonly require at least two unique patient identifiers. Collection date and time, specimen type or source, and collector identification may also be required.

What should you do if a specimen label does not match the request?

Do not guess or alter identity details. Follow the facility's identification-error procedure; recollection may be necessary.

What collection details should be documented?

Record the collection date and time, method, relevant specimen source, collector identification, and any test-specific details.

How should a specimen be packaged for transport?

Secure the container in designated leak-resistant biohazard packaging, with paperwork in a separate pocket.