General Flashcards

A capillary blood gas specimen is collected by heel stick from a neonate. What must be done BEFORE puncturing?

Answer: Warm the heel to 42°C for 3–5 minutes

Warming the heel increases blood flow (arterialization) so the capillary sample better reflects arterial blood gas values.

Which specimen requires protection from light during transport?

Answer: Bilirubin specimen

Bilirubin degrades rapidly when exposed to light, so the tube must be wrapped in foil or placed in an amber bag.

What does the abbreviation 'SOP' stand for in a clinical laboratory context?

Answer: Standard Operating Procedure

SOPs are written documents that provide step-by-step instructions to ensure consistent, safe laboratory practices.

A phlebotomist accidentally sustains a needlestick after drawing blood from an HCV-positive patient. The FIRST action is to:

Answer: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water

Immediately washing the wound with soap and water is the first physical step to reduce pathogen load at the exposure site.

Which tube additive is found in a royal blue (dark blue) tube used for trace element testing?

Answer: Lithium heparin or EDTA (metal-free)

Royal blue tubes contain either metal-free EDTA or metal-free sodium heparin to prevent trace metal contamination from the additive itself.

Hemolysis in a specimen is MOST likely caused by which phlebotomy error?

Answer: Drawing blood too slowly through a small-gauge needle

Slow, forceful aspiration through a small-gauge needle creates turbulence and shear forces that lyse red blood cells.

What information is the MINIMUM required on a specimen label at the time of collection?

Answer: Patient name, date of birth, date/time, and collector ID

CLSI standards require at minimum: patient name, date of birth (or second identifier), date and time of collection, and phlebotomist ID.