Specimen Handling, Storage, and Collection Flashcards
(246 cards)
1
Q
The first step in the laboratory investigation of infectious diseases
A
Specimen Collection, Handling, & Storage
2
Q
Improper collection, handling, and storage that can lead to false positive/ negative results
A
- Contamination due to poor collection technique
- Poor specimen quality
- Wrong timing
- Insufficient quantity
- Suboptimal storage
3
Q
2 types of poor specimen quality
A
Lipemic and Hemolysed sample
4
Q
a cloudy/ milky blood sample due to increased concentration of lipids
A
Lipemic sample
5
Q
most common reason for rejection
A
QNS
6
Q
room temperature
A
24-25 degree Celsius
7
Q
body temperature
A
37 degree Celsius
8
Q
freezing temperature
A
0 degree Celsius
9
Q
Refrigerator temperature
A
2-8 degree Celsius
10
Q
they instruct patients on how to properly collect their own sample/s.
A
medtechs
11
Q
Represents a portion or quantity of human material that is tested, examined or studied to determine the presence or absence of microorganisms or analytes.
A
Clinical specimen
12
Q
2 ways of routine handling
A
- mixing tubes by inversion
- transporting of specimens
13
Q
Some tests require gentle inversions of the specimen tube to evenly distribute the additive
A
Mixing tubes by inversion
14
Q
True or False. Number of inversions
depend on the type of additive or anticoagulant, but it is usually 3-10 gentle inversions
A
True
15
Q
Rough handling of specimens might:
A
- hemolyze the specimens,
- activate platelets,
- affect the coagulation, and
- break the glass tube – severe cases
16
Q
Specimen tubes must be transported with the stopper to:
A
- Avoid spillage of the specimen
- Minimize agitation of the specimen
- Aid in clot formation for serum tubes
17
Q
Allows organisms (pathogens and contaminants) to survive
A
Transport medium
18
Q
does not allow proliferation of organisms particularly contaminants, contains inhibitors
A
Non-nutritive transport medium
19
Q
True or false. Media to be used is dependent on the suspected pathogen
A
True
20
Q
Media for bacteria, especially for enterics
A
Cary Blair
21
Q
Media for bacteria, especially for non-enterics
A
Amies
22
Q
What family does Enterics belong to?
A
Enterobacteriaceae
23
Q
common characteristics of Enterics
A
- Gram-negative bacilli (pink)
- Medically significant – when infected with
any members of enterics could suffer
diarrhea, severe bacterial infection.
24
Q
Examples of Enterics that can be transported using Cary Blair transport medium
A
- E. coli
- Klebsiella
- Enterobacter
- Shigella
- Salmonella
25
Media for viruses
virus transport media (VTM)
26
Media for parasites
10% formalin to preserve morphology of trophozoites (isolated in the stool sample that are watery)
27
2 Life cycle of parasites
1. Cyst stage
2. Trophozoites
28
dormant stage of parasites
cyst stage
29
morphologic form of
parasite that feeds and multiplies, possesses
pseudopods; feeding stage
Trophozoites
30
True of False. Some specimens will precipitate or agglutinate if allowed to cool below body temp
True
31
True or False. The tubes should also be pre-warmed at 39°C using portable heat blocks which could hold the temp for 30 minutes from removal from the incubator
False.
Should be at 37 °C for 15 minutes
32
True or False. Heel warmers can be used for specimens that can withstand a temperature slightly lower than 37 °C
False.
Should be higher than 37 °C
33
Examples of analytes than can withstand a temperature slightly higher than 37 °C
- Cold agglutinins
- Cryofibrinogen
- Cryoglobulins
34
True or False. If below 37°C during transport, samples won’t agglutinate or precipitate
True
35
Two ways to ensure 37°C during transport
- Pre-warm collection tubes
- Heels warmers, can withstand higher than 37°C
36
It slows down metabolism of cells and decrease the utilization of oxygen by cells
Arterial Blood Gas
37
- Chilling slows the metabolic process
- Specimen tubes should be completely submerged in
a crushed ice and water slurry
- Tested immediately or refrigerated
Chilled Specimen
38
Examples of Chilled Specimen
ACTH
acetone
angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE)
ammonia
catecholamines
free fatty
acids
gastrin
glucagon
homocysteine
lactic acid
PTH
pH/blood gas
pyruvate
renin
39
Exposure to light can affect the result of a specimen (e.g., bilirubin)
Light sensitive specimen
40
What must be wrapped on light sensitive specimens
aluminum foil or use lightblocking, amber-colored container.
41
Examples of light sensitive specimen
Bilirubin
carotene
red cell folate
serum
folate Vitamin B2
Vit. B6
Vit. B12
Vit. C
urine porphyrins
urine porphobilinogen
42
After collection, specimens are:
(1) identified,
(2) logged or accessioned,
(3) sorted by department and type of processing, and
(4) evaluated for specimen suitability.
43
It is expected to reach the lab within 45 minutes
Routine blood specimen
44
General protocol
Delivery Time Limits
45
True or false. Centrifugation of the specimen should be done in 3 hours
False.
Should be in 1 hour
46
True or false. hematology specimens collected
in EDTA (whole blood) does not need to be centrifuged
True
47
Time limit rule for Blood smear from EDTA specimen
1 hour from collection (identify the correct
morphology of the formed elements under
microscope)
max: 6 hours
48
Time limit rule for EDTA specimen for ESR determination
4 hours (r. temp) and 12 hours (refrigerated)
49
Time limit rule for EDTA specimen for CBC
- analyzed within 6 hours
- stable 24 hours from collection if
stored at room temp
50
Time limit rule for EDTA specimen for retics count (evaluates bone marrow activity)
- stable for 6 hours (room temp) and
- 72 hours (refrigerated)
51
recursor stage of mature RBC, released in bone
marrow when stress involved, present in the circulation 1 day only
Reticulocytes
52
Time limit for Glucose test drawn in sodium fluoride tubes
- stable for 24 hours (room temp) but
- stable up to 48 hours (refrigerated)
at 2°C-8°C
53
Time limit rule for Prothrombin time (PT)
stable for 24 hours
54
Time limit rule for APTT
should be analyzed within 4 hours from
collection regardless of storage conditions
(shorter time than PT because clotting factors
are sensitive to storage conditions)
55
Things to remember when spinning samples:
1. Leave the stoppers on the tube before and during
centrifugation
2. Tubes should be balanced
3. Heparin gel-barrier tubes (PSTs) – centrifuged
immediately without delay
4. Non-additive and gel-barrier serum tubes (SSTs) – need to be completely clotted prior to centrifugation (30-60
minutes)
56
Timing of collection for blood smears
anytime of the day
57
Blood Smear. Amount to be collected:
1 drop each, preferably thick and thin smears
58
Method of collection for blood smears
Capillary puncture
59
Initial processing, handling, and storage for blood smears
Make a smear on a glass slide and fix in methanol (retain morphology), store at room temp
60
Transport/shipment conditions of blood smears
Transport within 24 hours at room temp
61
Typical disease/syndrome for blood smears
Malaria; Microscopic examination of PBS in hematology
62
closed system, butterfly technique
Direct Inoculation
63
open system, syringe method
Indirect Inoculation
64
What is the collection method for blood culture?
Venipuncture
65
What is the skin disinfection method prior to blood culture collection?
70% alcohol & 2% iodine for 1 minute prior to collection (3 changes)
66
When is the best time to draw blood for culture during a fever?
Fever spike (Febrile)
67
How many different sites should be used for blood culture collection within 24 hours?
2 - 3 different sites
68
What is the recommended volume for adults for blood culture collection?
10 - 20 mL
69
What is the recommended volume for infants or small children?
1 - 5 mL
70
What is the blood:broth dilution ratio?
1:10
71
What is the anticoagulant of choice?
Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate
72
What actions does Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate perform?
Prevents phagocytosis, inactivates complement, and neutralizes aminoglycoside antibiotics
73
What are the disadvantages of using Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate?
May inhibit growth of:
* Neisseria
* Gardnerella vaginalis
* Streptobacillus moniliformis
74
Which anticoagulants are not recommended?
EDTA, heparin, and citrate
75
What is the primary inoculation medium used?
Nutrient Broth or Brain Heart Infusion Broth (BHIB)
76
What devices may be used if a patient is on antibiotic treatment?
Antibiotic Removing Device or resin bottles
77
What is the first step in specimen collection for blood culture?
Uncapping of blood culture bottles
78
What is the difference between direct and indirect inoculation methods?
Direct inoculation uses a closed system, while indirect inoculation uses an open system
79
What is the optimal ratio of blood to culture medium?
1:5 to 1:10
80
What is the age-volume protocol for blood collection in patients under 10 years?
1 mL of blood for each year of life
81
What is the maximum volume of blood that can be taken from patients with poor veins aged 10 and older?
less than 20 mL
82
How does the frequency of blood collection depend on bacteremia type?
It varies based on whether bacteremia is transient, intermittent, or continuous
83
When should blood culture specimens be collected in cases of intermittent bacteremia?
Before an anticipated temperature rise
84
What type of timing is needed for continuous bacteremia blood culture collection?
No specific timing
85
What type of media is used for blood cultures?
Broth + anticoagulant
## Footnote
The anticoagulant typically used is sodium polyanethol sulfonate (SPS) at 0.025% - 0.050%.
86
Functions of SPS
- Anticoagulation
- Neutralization of bactericidal activity (i.e. complement
proteins & lysozyme) of human serum
- Prevention of phagocytosis
- Inactivation of certain antimicrobial agents (e.g.
streptomycin, kanamycin, gentamicin, polymyxin B)
87
how much gelatin is added when certain bacteria is suspected to neutralize the inhibitory effect of SPS
1.2% gelatin
88
SPS inhibits certain bacteria like:
- Peptostreptococcus anaerobius
- Streptobacillus moniliformis
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Neisseria meningitidis
- Gardnerella vaginalis
89
Substances produced by the body that can be liquid or semi-liquid and found in body organs or spaces
non-blood samples
90
Why is urine considered the most analyzed non-blood sample?
It is inexpensive to test and provides valuable information about metabolic processes in the body.
91
purposes of urine examination.
- Helps monitor wellness
- aids in diagnosing and treating urinary tract infections (UTI)
- detects metabolic diseases
- monitors the progress of treatment in metabolic diseases
- assesses the effectiveness of administered therapy.
92
What are the four factors that affect the accuracy of urine analysis?
- Collection method
- container used
- transportation and handling of specimens
- timeliness of testing.
93
What is the most commonly received urine specimen type?
Random urine specimen.
94
When can a random urine specimen be collected?
Anytime, with the time of collection noted on the container.
95
Useful for routine screening tests to detect abnormalities.
Random Urine Specimen
96
What are other names for the first morning/8-hour urine specimen?
First voided, overnight, or early morning specimen.
97
Why is the first morning urine specimen ideal for pregnancy testing?
It helps avoid false pregnancy test results due to its high concentration of analytes.
98
A urine sample collected at specific times or pooled over a specific time period.
Timed urine specimen
99
It requires individual urine specimens collected serially at specific times to correspond with blood collection for glucose testing.
Tolerance test (glucose) and Oral Glucose Tolerance test (OGTT)
100
It is collected 2 hours after a meal and tested for glucose to monitor insulin therapy and compare results with fasting urine and blood glucose.
2-hour postprandial
101
Used to monitor insulin therapy of patient
2-hour postprandial
102
It allows for a quantitative analysis of urine analytes.
24-hour
103
best time to begin collecting for 24-hour timed specimen
when patient wakes up in the morning
(between 6-8am)
104
It is most commonly used for testing glucose and ketones, requiring the bladder to be emptied and urine collected after 30 minutes.
double-voided
105
A second morning or second specimen voided after fasting (glucose monitoring) ensures the specimen is not affected by food consumption, commonly used for glucose monitoring.
Fasting
106
What are the two main types of urine collection methods?
Invasive and non-invasive methods.
107
Describe the regular voided urine collection method.
The patient voids or urinates into a clean container without interruption.
108
How is a catheterized urine specimen collected, and what is it commonly used for?
Collected through a hollow tube (catheter) inserted into the bladder; it is most commonly used for bacterial culture.
109
used for patients with difficulty in urinating
Catheterized specimen
110
The patient voids into the toilet first, then collects urine midstream in a container. It is a safer and less traumatic method with reduced bacterial contamination.
midstream clean-catch specimen
111
It collects urine by inserting a needle through the abdomen into the bladder, providing a sterile urine sample for bacterial culture and cytologic examination.
suprapubic aspiration
112
when patient is a child who is not potty-trained, urine is collected using a plastic bag, checked every 15 minutes until the required volume is obtained.
Pediatric
113
Types of Urine collection methods
- regular voided
- catheterized specimen
- midstream
- midstream clean-catch specimen
- suprapubic aspiration
- pediatric
114
types of timed specimen
- OGTT
- 2-hour postprandial
- 24-hour
- double-voided
115
What are the requirements for urine specimen containers?
clean, dry, leak-proof, and preferably disposable.
116
What is the recommended urine volume for routine urinalysis?
12 mL of urine.
117
What is the recommended container capacity for urine collection?
50 mL
118
What information must be included on urine specimen labels?
Patient’s full name, identification number, date & time of collection, age, and physician’s name.
119
Where should urine specimen labels be attached?
To the container, not the lid
120
three main types of analysis included in routine urinalysis
- Physical analysis (color, clarity/turbidity, odor)
- Chemical analysis (pH, SG, glucose, protein, etc.)
- Microscopic analysis (cells, crystals, microorganisms)
121
ideal urine specimen for routine urinalysis
Midstream clean-catch specimen
122
How should urine specimens be stored if immediate transport to the lab is not possible?
Can be held at room temperature for 2 hours or refrigerated
123
What urine test is requested if a patient has symptoms of a UTI?
Urine culture & sensitivity test
124
How long is a urine sample cultured in a urine culture and sensitivity test?
18-24 hours in a special nutrient medium.
125
type of specimen is required for urine culture & sensitivity
Midstream clean-catch specimen
126
What happens if bacteria are identified in a urine culture test?
A sensitivity or antibiotic susceptibility test is performed.
127
What type of specimen is required for urine cytology studies?
Fresh clean-catch specimen
128
To detect cancer, cytomegalovirus, and other viral & inflammatory diseases of the urinary system.
urine cytology tests/studies
129
sign of bladder cancer
Presence of malignant urothelial cells
130
If urine cytology delays cannot be avoided, how should the specimen be preserved?
With 50% ethanol in a 1:1 ratio.
131
To detect illicit drug use, anabolic steroid abuse, and unwarranted prescription drug use.
urine drug testing
132
What is the required sample for urine drug testing?
Random urine sample placed in a chemically clean container with a lid.
133
Urine pregnancy testing required specimen
First morning urine
134
When can pregnancy be detected using a urine test?
8-10 days after conception.
135
To screen for diabetes and determine glucose levels in diabetic patients.
urine glucose testing
136
What does urine ketone testing help diagnose?
Diabetic ketoacidosis.
137
two ways ketones form in urine
- When the body breaks down fat due to a lack of carbohydrates.
- When the body does not metabolize glucose properly.
138
A clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid in the amniotic sac that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy.
amniotic fluid
139
What is the method of collecting amniotic fluid?
Transabdominal amniocentesis.
140
At what gestational age is amniocentesis typically performed?
15 weeks after gestation.
141
volume of amniotic fluid collected
10 mL
142
Five purpose of amniotic fluid testing
- Detection of genetic disorders
- Checking fetal development
- Verify gestational age
- Testing for hemolytic disease from mother-fetus incompatibility
- Assessing fetal lung maturity
143
Where in the body can non-blood samples be found?
In body organs such as the bladder and spaces of the joints.
144
List at least five examples of non-blood samples.
Urine
amniotic fluid
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
nasopharyngeal secretion
semen
serous fluid
sputum
synovial fluid
feces
throat swabs
145
What is urine?
An ultrafiltrate of blood.
146
A clear and colorless liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
147
How is CSF collected? (Method of collection)
Lumbar tap (spinal tap) in three sterile tubes.
148
tests performed on the three tubes of CSF
1st tube: Chemistry and immunology
2nd tube: Microbiology studies
3rd tube: Cell counts
149
What conditions can CSF testing help diagnose?
Meningitis, brain abscess, CNS cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
150
routine tests performed on CSF
Cell counts, chloride, glucose, and total protein
151
purposes of gastric fluid analysis
- Check stomach contents for abnormal substances.
- Evaluate acid production by measuring gastric acid concentration.
152
A tube is passed through the mouth (oropharynx) or nose (nasopharynx) into the stomach after fasting.
Gastric Fluid/Gastric Analysis
153
What gastric stimulants can be used in the test?
Histamine or pentagastrin.
154
Help collect the specimen and draw blood for serum gastrin determination.
Phlebotomist
155
A hormone that stimulates gastric acid secretion in the stomach.
serum gastrin
156
timing of collection for nasopharyngeal swab for bacterial test
As soon as suspicion arises and before antibiotic therapy.
157
Method of collection for nasopharyngeal swab for bacterial test
Cotton swab with calcium alginate for bacteriology.
158
Initial processing, handling and storage of Nasopharyngeal Swab for Bacterial Testing
Refrigerated (2°C–8°C)
159
Transport conditions of nasopharyngeal swab for bacterial test
transported with ice packs
160
Nasopharyngeal swab can detect the bacteria that causes these diseases:
Diphtheria, Meningitis, Pertussis (whooping cough), and Pneumonia.
161
When should an oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swab for viral testing be collected?
Within 7 days from the onset of illness.
162
Amount to be collected for Oropharyngeal and Nasopharyngeal Swab for Viral Testing
One nasopharyngeal and one oropharyngeal swab combined into one viral transport medium (VTM).
163
Method of collection for Oropharyngeal and Nasopharyngeal Swab for Viral Testing
use of dacron/rayon tipped swab
164
Transport method for Oropharyngeal and Nasopharyngeal Swab for Viral Testing
transported with ice packs
165
A thick yellowish-white fluid containing sperm, released during male ejaculation.
seminal fluid
166
What are the three main purposes of seminal fluid testing?
- Fertility evaluation
- Vasectomy effectiveness assessment
- Forensic/legal investigations
167
How should seminal fluid be stored after collection?
In a sterile container, kept warm (37°C), and protected from light.
168
when shall a seminal fluid specimen be collected
Sexual abstinence of 2–3 days, but not longer than 5 days.
169
How many semen samples are usually tested for fertility evaluation?
Two or three samples, tested at 2-week intervals.
170
How should seminal fluid be transported to the lab?
Kept at room temperature and delivered within 1 hour of collection.
171
How is seminal fluid stored for artificial insemination?
Frozen at -85°C and can be stored for up to one year.
172
Seminal fluid specimen waiitng for analysis should be kept at…
37°C
173
best method for collecting seminal fluid to avoid contamination
Self-production (masturbation)
174
another name for emission after interrupted coitus
Withdrawal method (Coitus interruptus)
175
What are the three main types of serous fluids?
Pleural fluid (lungs), Pericardial fluid (heart), and Peritoneal fluid (abdomen).
176
What is the main function of serous fluid?
Allows membrane movement with minimal friction.
177
excess fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity (ascetic fluid)
Ascites
178
Which tube is used for cell counts and differential counts in serous fluid collection?
EDTA (hematology section).
179
Which tubes are used for microbiology and cytology?
Sterile heparinized evacuated tubes.
180
tubes used for chemistry tests
Plain or heparinized tubes.
181
used to diagnose Lower respiratory infections like tuberculosis (TB)
sputum analysis
182
When is the best time to collect a sputum sample?
First thing in the morning. Wait at least 1 hour after eating before sputum collection to avoid gagging.
183
What is the adequate volume of sputum needed for analysis?
3 to 5 mL.
184
Specimen collection for sputum
- 50 mL capacity
- Translucent or clear material
- single-use combustible material
- screw-capped with a watertight seal
- easily-labeled walls
185
To analyze chloride content in children under 20 for cystic fibrosis.
Sweat analysis
186
A genetic disorder causing thick mucus buildup in the body.
cystic fibrosis
187
Sweat simulating drug
Pilocarpine
188
What method is used to stimulate sweat production?
Electrical stimulation to transport pilocarpine into the skin.
189
What can sweat analysis be used to detect besides cystic fibrosis?
Illegal drug use.
190
A viscous fluid that lubricates movable joints.
synovial fluid
191
What conditions can synovial fluid analysis help diagnose?
Arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions.
192
What is the method of collecting synovial fluid?
Arthrocentesis
193
The synovial fluid is collected in the following tubes:
1. Sterile tube – microbiology section for Gram stain
and culture
2. Heparin/EDTA – for cell counts, ID of crystals, smear
preparation
3. Plain tube – macroscopic appearance, chemistry,
immunology tests, and observing the clot formation
4. Sodium fluoride tube – for glucose analysis
194
To collect loose cells from the cheek for DNA analysis.
Buccal (cheek) swab
195
What are the two main ways to collect DNA samples?
Blood collection and buccal swab.
196
Why is a buccal swab preferred over blood collection for DNA analysis?
It is less invasive and painless.
197
Identifying blood diseases such as anemia, leukemia, and other blood cancers.
bone marrow analysis
198
Where is the bone marrow sample typically collected from?
Sternum or iliac crest.
199
What is the typical volume of bone marrow collected?
1-1.5 mL.
200
What is prepared using the collected bone marrow sample?
Smears
201
To check for the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
C-urea breath test (C-UBT)
202
What does the patient drink before the C-UBT test?
A special substance containing synthetic urea
203
How is the presence of H. pylori confirmed in the C-UBT test?
By detecting carbon-13 in the breath samples.
204
Two types of tests for breath samples
1. C-urea breath test (C-UBT)
2. Hydrogen breath test
205
To detect carbohydrate digestion problems (e.g., lactose and fructose intolerance) and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine
hydrogen breath test
206
How often are breath samples taken during the hydrogen breath test?
Every 30 minutes for three hours.
207
What are the patient restrictions before the hydrogen breath test?
- No antibiotics for 2 weeks
- avoid certain foods for 24 hours
- fasting on the day of the test
- no smoking or exercise 30 minutes before the test.
208
What are stool samples collected to determine?
Gastrointestinal disorders, intestinal ova/parasites, bacterial/viral infections, fat and urobilinogen content, occult blood.
209
What are the characteristics of a proper stool specimen container?
- Clean/sterile
- wide-mouthed
- tight-fitting lid
- leak-proof material (plastic, glass, or waxed cardboard)
210
How should stool containers be sealed for transport?
In a clean plastic bag
211
Why should urine and water be avoided in stool collection?
To prevent contamination
212
How much stool is needed for a formed sample?
5-7 grams (thumb-sized).
213
How much stool is needed for a liquid sample?
10 mL
214
What is the recommended approach for collecting stool samples for ova and parasites?
Three samples on alternate days or within a 10-day interval.
215
Why must stool samples be preserved if not examined within 2 hours?
To maintain parasite morphology and prevent microbial overgrowth
216
What is the recommended stool-to-preservative ratio?
1 part stool to 3 parts preservative.
217
What preservative is commonly used for stool samples?
Formalin (an all-purpose fixative).
218
Why is formalin preferred?
It has a long shelf life and preserves samples well.
219
What are the major salivary glands?
Parotid glands, submandibular glands, sublingual glands.
220
What can saliva be tested for?
Hormone levels, alcohol, and drug/substance abuse.
221
Why do saliva samples need to be frozen?
To ensure stability before delivery to the clinical lab.
222
What can hair samples be analyzed for?
Traces of heavy metals and fungal infections.
223
Why is hair preferred for drug abuse testing?
It is easy to collect and not easily altered or tampered with.
224
A yellow-green fluid produced by the liver, stored in the gallbladder.
Bile
225
What dietary factor stimulates bile release?
Eating fatty foods.
226
What are the methods of bile collection?
Direct aspiration from the gallbladder by duodenal intubation or T-tube drainage.
227
What tests are performed on bile samples?
Bile acid analysis, bilirubin testing, bile culture.
228
How should bile samples be transported?
Immediately to the lab with minimal delay; refrigerate if transport is delayed.
229
Initial processing, handling, and storage of Oso and Neo Swab for viral test
Refrigerated (2°C–8°C)
230
What must be done to all collected specimens?
All collected specimens must be properly labeled.
231
What information must a laboratory request contain?
The laboratory request must contain the pertinent data of the patient.
232
When should specimens for culture be sent?
Specimens for culture should be sent early in the day.
233
What precautions must be followed when submitting a specimen in a syringe?
The syringe must be capped with a sterile closure.
234
Are syringes with needles in place acceptable for specimen submission?
No
235
What safety protocol must always be observed during specimen collection?
Universal precautions must be observed at all times.
236
Why should cold temperatures be avoided for certain specimens?
Cold temperatures could affect sample quality or kill microorganisms of interest.
237
Within how many hours should a specimen be set up for testing?
Within 2 hours of collection.
238
What type of devices should be used for specimen collection?
Appropriate collection devices must be used.
239
From where should specimens be collected?
Specimens should be collected from the infection area.
240
What is the optimum time for collecting a sample for Salmonella typhi diagnosis?
1st week: blood culture
241
When should specimens be collected in relation to antibiotic therapy?
Specimens should be collected prior to antibiotic therapy.
242
What is an important factor regarding the quantity of a specimen?
The specimen must be of sufficient quantity.
243
What are the four main reasons a specimen may be rejected?
- Preservative used
- insufficient quantity
- leaky container
- dry swab
244
Why are leaky containers not accepted for specimen submission?
Leaky containers may contaminate the specimen and pose a biohazard risk.
245
What is wrong with submitting a dry swab for testing?
A dry swab does not provide an adequate sample for testing.
246
