Specimen Delivery and Handling

Front

Delivery of specimens should be as prompt as possible to prevent breakdown of glucose in blood cells.

Back

Delays can interfere with test results for phosphorus, glucose, aldosterone, calcitonin, and enzymes.

Front

Key components of the delivery process.

Back

Specimen handling, packaging, and communication with delivery services.

Front

Coordinating the schedule of pickups is crucial.

Back

Includes delivering stat specimens and documenting the delivery process accurately.

Front

Handling blood specimens requires knowledge of specific factors.

Back

Timing, heat, cold, and protection from light are essential for high-quality test results.

Front

Thermolabile specimens require a specific temperature.

Back

Use a heat source, heat block, ice slurry, refrigerator, or freezer.

Front

Avoid using cold or ice packs for thermolabile specimens.

Back

They are unreliable due to fluctuating temperatures.

Front

Cold agglutinins sample temperature requirement.

Back

Must remain at body temperature, 37°C (98.6°F).

Front

Storage of specimens for blood gas tests.

Back

Store at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes or in ice slurry for up to 1 hour.

Front

Importance of delivery speed for blood gas tests.

Back

Prevents the loss of gases from the blood prior to analysis.

Front

Blood glucose level tests require specific timing.

Back

A fasting blood glucose level is needed before a 2-hour postprandial test.