T/F
For venous gas collection, ensuring the patient does not clench their hands is vital
True
Describe the time limits for venous blood gas collection
Testing must be competed within 30 minutes if transported at room temp
If pt has increased WBC or platelet count, testing must be competed within 5 mins at room temp
If time limits cannot be met, specimen must be cooled immediately after collection by placing on ice slurry and transported to lab ASAP (cooing reduced O2 consumption by WBCs and platelets)
T/F
The yellow dial should be pointing towards the vacutainer holder when you remove the syringe
False - it should point towards the syringe, ensuring that pathway is now closed before removal
What are some common scenarios for chain of custody samples
Drug and alcohol testing
Paternity tests
Legal cases
What key details are necessary when accessioning a chain of custody sample
Pt name, DOB
Sample type
Test type
Date and time of sample collection
Not tampered with
Documentation of incident reporting and communication should include
Pt name, DOB, accession number
Description of issue encountered
Actiosn taken
follow up actions - including test that may need to be redone
Signature of lab tech and date/time of incident
Communication details should include: date/time of call, staff member talked to, outcome of conversation
Occult blood testing may be used in patients with
Gastro bleeding
Ulcers
Screening for colorectal cancer
Describe the container for O&P (ova and parasite testing)
Contains a clear SAF fixative to kill and preserve parasites and eggs
Dietary restriction/instruction for O&P collection
Avoid barium, oil and magnesium
Collection & transport protocol for O&P
Collected in sets of 3 (over 3 days or 3 diff collections)
Record date/times
Cool and refrigerate
Describe the container for C&S (culture and sensitivity)
Contains pink medium called Cary Blair medium that keeps the bacteria alive and prevents overgrowth of non-pathogenic activity
Dietary restriction/instruction for C&S
Avoid barium, oil, and magnesium
Collection & transport protocol for C&S
Collected singly or in sets of 3 over 3 days
Record date& times
Cool & refrigerate
Describe the container for C.Diff (clostridium difficile)
Empty urine container
Dietary restrictions/instruction for C. diff collection
Avoid barium, oil and magnesium
Collection and transport protocol for C. diff
Single collection
Record date/time
Cool & refrigerate
Describe the container for occult blood collections
Carboard kit
Dietary restrictions/instruction for occult blood collection
Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs for 7 days, as they are GI irritants
Avoid vit C for 3 days (causes false negatives)
Avoid red meats for 3 days (causes false positives)
Collection & transport requirements for occult blood
If bleeding from hemorrhoids or menstruation, do not collect
Collect in sets of 3 over 3 days
Record date and time
Keep at room temp
Describe the container for fecal fat collection
Large metal can, pre-weighed
Dietary restriction/instruction for fecal fat collection
Ingest corn or olive oil for 2 days prior to beginning collection and continue through 3 days
Collection & storage requirements for fecal fats
Only fill cal 2/3 full, use second one if needed
All stools are collected over 72 hours - record start and finish time on can
Cool & refrigerate w lid sealed
