Download Specimen Collections

Body Fluids
Specimen Collections
Sputum Collections
• Sputum: secretions from the lower
respiratory tract
• Useful in determining specific types of
respiratory disorders
• Patient may obtain sample by coughing, or
by respiratory induction. ( RT uses a
catheter to suction out secretions)
Sputum Collections
• Some specimens require collection for up to
3 days.
• Pts. Who present with TB symptoms hve to
obtain specimens for 3 consecutive
mornings .
• * for easier acquisition of sputum, it is
advisable for pt’s to drink plenty of fluids
throughout the day
Sputum…cont
• All samples must be taken to the lab
immediately… or refrigerated…
• Pt’s information, time of collection, etc
must accompany specimen to the lab.
• Must be placed in biohazard bag for
transport to lab.
• WEAR GLOVES!!!!
Stool Specimens.
• All “rules” regarding Universal precautions
should be observed when obtaining stool
specimens.
• Pt may expell specimen in a “specipan”
container…or
• Digital removal of specimen may be
required.
Stool Specimens
Specimen should be obtained with a tongue
depressor, about the size of a half dollar.
Placed in a sterile container. Secure lid
tightly, Label with pt. Information, and time
of collection..place in biohazard bag.
Lab request slip with test to be performed..
Most common tests are for: occult blood, ova
and parasites..
Specimen Collections
Body Fluid Collections
Urine Specimens
• Urinalysis: most frequently ordered
test
• 3 major areas of testing:
• Physical
• Chemical
• Microscopic
Urinalysis
• Collected in plastic test tubes
• Pt’s name, date, time of collection on tube
• Tests should be performed within 2 hours of
obtaining specimen. If not specimen should
be refrigerated
Urinalysis
• FYI
• 1st am urine is the most concentrated
• Random urine specimens (no
preparation/nonscheduled)
• Midstream Catch: partial voiding before
obtaining sample, about 3 oz. ( this clears
sloughed off cells, bacteria, mucous, or
other debris that could interfere with test
accuracy)
24 hour urine sample
• Large container with preservative added
• Must be refrigerated during the 24 hrs
(usually in a bucket of ice)
• Should start with the 2nd voiding of the day
• Should end with the 1st voiding of the next
am.
• Pt’s name, date, time collection began
Pediatric urine sample
• Collection bags fit over child’s genitals and
are secured with tape
• Can be done at home. Instruct parents to
transfer urine from bag into clean dry
container for transport to lab.
• Pt’s name, date, time of collection
Catheterization
•
•
•
•
3 reasons for catheterization:
To obtain a sterile urine sample for analysis
To relieve urinary retention
To instill medicine into the bladder, after the
bladder is emptied
• For urine sample: Quick Cath, In & Out
Cath
• For incontinence: Foley Catheter
Catheterization
Catheter
Bladder
Collection
Bag
Urinalysis
• Culture & Sensitivity:
determines what be
maintained throughout
the procedure
microorganism is present
and what antibiotic will
be effective in treatment
• Sterile Technique must
be followed.
Physical Characteristics
• color: pale yellow to red
• clarity: clear, cloudy, with exudate, etc.
• odor: none, slight, strong, foul
• specific gravity:
( indicates concentration of urine..values
between 1.003-1.035 nml)
Urinalysis
• Physical cont’
• Hematuria: blood content in urine: gives
urine a rusty to red color
• Medications can cause change in color:
• Pyridium= orange
Chemical Urinalysis
• Done to reveal abnormal substances in urine
• Reagent Strips: convenient, inexpensive
diagnostic test
• Abnormal substances in urine include:
glucose, albumin(protein), ketones
(acetone), bilirubin, blood, nitrates,
leukocytes.
• Can measure pH (nml= 5.0-7.0) and
specific gravity as well
Microscopic Urinalysis
• Done to detect
specific
abnormalities, ie:
microbes, crystals,
cells etc…see pg 587