Packaging & Time Limits

Question 1

List and describe the 3 layers included in triple packaging.

Answer 1

1. Watertight, positive closure (screw-on cap) primary containers made out of glass, metal, or plastic
2. Leak-proof secondary container made out of wood, metal, rigid plastic, or corrugated cardboard (minimum 4in wide)
3. The outer layer must allow the release of carbon dioxide if dry ice is used, and leak-proof if ice is used

Question 2

What important article is inserted between the second container and outer container?

Answer 2

Itemized material list of contents

Question 3

What 2 types of substances are placed between the secondary container and outer container to aid in preserving the specimens? (2)

Answer 3

1. Ice

2. Dry ice

Question 4

List the 3 minimum requirements on the outer container. (3)

Answer 4

1. UN 3373 label with the words “Biological Category B”
2. Class 9 miscellaneous label if the package contains dry ice
3. Name, address, and phone number of the shipper, receiver, and consignee

Question 5

What must each triple package be able to withstand?

Answer 5

4ft drop

Question 6

How must ammonia be transported and why? (3)

Answer 6

1. Must be placed on ice immediately
2. Separated within 15min of collection and transported STAT
3. Levels increase rapidly at room temperature

Question 7

Within what time frame should PT and PTT (coagulation tubes) generally be performed within?

Answer 7

Within 4hrs

Question 8

Differentiate between the time limit of unspun PT and unspun PTT (patients not on heparin). (2)

Answer 8

1. PT → within 24hrs

2. PTT → within 4hrs

Question 9

If PT and PTT tubes (coags) are opened, what is the time limit they must be tested within?

Answer 9

4hrs

Question 10

What is done if PT and PTT tubes cannot be tested within their time limits? (1)

Answer 10

Plasma can be frozen without disturbing the buffy coat at -20 degrees Celsius or below for up to 2 weeks, or -70 degrees for even longer

Question 11

State the time limit for glucose at room temperature and in the fridge. (2)

Answer 11

1. Stable for 24hrs at room temperature and up to 48hrs

2. Held in the fridge for 4-8hrs

Question 12

What may the inadequate inhibition of glycolysis indicate?

Answer 12

Inhibition of glycolysis may be inadequate in specimens from patients with abnormally high platelet, red cell, or white cell count

Question 13

Within what time frame must blood smears made from EDTA be prepared and why? (3)

Answer 13

1. Within 1hr of collection
2. Preserve the integrity of cells
3. Prevent artifact formation due to prolonged anticoagulation contact

Question 14

When should EDTA specimens for CBC be analyzed and how long will they remain stable at room temperature? (2)

Answer 14

1. Should be analyzed within 6hrs

2. Generally remains stable up to 24hrs at room temperature

Question 15

When must EDTA specimens for ESR be tested when left at room temp or in the fridge? (2)

Answer 15

1. Within 4hrs at room temp

2. Up to 12hrs in the fridge

Question 16

How long are EDTA for reticulocyte counts stable at room temp or in the fridge? (2)

Answer 16

1. WIthin 6hrs at room temp

2. Up to 72hrs in the fridge

Question 17

When should microbiology cultures be transported to the lab? (1)

Answer 17

ASAP

Question 18

Give 3 examples of cultures. (3)

Answer 18

1. Blood
2. Urine
3. Swabs

Question 19

Why do microbiology specimens need to be transported quickly? (2)

Answer 19

1. Preserve the microorganisms present

2. Identify the microorganisms

Question 20

What happens when urine is not tested quickly or refrigerated?

Answer 20

Urine components will change

Question 21

List 3 ways that urine components change when left unattended outside of a fridge. (3)

Answer 21

1. Cellular elements decompose
2. Bilirubin breaks down
3. Bacteria increases

Question 22

What do changes in urine components lead to? (2)

Answer 22

1. Testing errors

2. False positives