Introduction to Specimen Collection

Question 1

What are the nursing responsibilities on specimen collection?

Answer 1

Why is this ordered for the patient?

What is it for?
What makes us think this test is needed?

When should it be done?
When will the results be back?

Where do I get the specimen from?
Where does it go?

What do I need in order to obtain this specimen?
What does the patient need to know?
What happens after the results are back?

Question 2

Can you delegate specimen collection? If so, who?

Answer 2

Yes you can delegate specimen collection

Patient/family
Unlicensed assisstive personnel (UAP) (i.e NA or MOA)

Before delegation need to be able to do the skills; delegation also depends on the institution