Collection
Action is performed to ensure the reliability of test results by detecting and eliminating error. Included in QA, but more detailed.
quality control (QC).
This sample can be collected at any time of the day and is used for screening purposes. The patient urinates in a clean, non sterile container.
Random Urine
Describe how each specimen should be packaged before sending it to the lab.
Each specimen must have a clear plastic bag with a zip closure and dual pockets, which allows for the separation of the specimen and lab requisition.
reference ranges for Glucose
70 to 100 mg/dL (fasting)
What can cause false positives for fecal blood testing?
Patients should avoid red meats or dyes, aspirin or aspirin products, vitamin C, and iron supplements because these could create false-positive fecal occult blood tests (FOBT).
What is the most commonly tested specimen in an ambulatory care setting?
Urine
This method is used when a sterile urine sample is needed or if patients are unable to provide a specimen on their own. It involves insertion of a sterile tube (catheter) through the urethra into the bladder. The provider or nurse performs this procedure, with the medical assistant prepping the patient and assisting, if needed.
Catheterized Collection
What are the three stages that must be applied to each test or procedure that is performed in the laboratory?
Preanalytical Phase
Analytic Phase
Postanalytical Phase
Hemoglobin A1C normal range
below 5.7%
What tool is used to measure hearing acuity at different frequencies?
audiometer
An adult who has normal hearing should be able to hear tones below 25 decibels, and a child should be able to hear below 15 decibels.
How are specimens collected for cultures?
Specimens for cultures are always collected in sterile containers. Take precautions to avoid touching the insides of lids, swabs, or containers, which could contaminate the specimen. If the specimen is not properly collected, the identification of the causative agent might not occur, and proper treatment cannot be started.
This method uses a large container with preservatives. The patient discards their first morning urine specimen and collects all remaining urination specimens for the next 24 hr, including the first morning void of the second day. This type of collection is important in the quantitative analysis of components such as protein when analyzing kidney function. It is also used to analyze substances that are sporadically released into the urine over a 24-hour period.
24 Hour Sample
How does the CCMA determine what type of PPE should be used?
based on the specimen being handled
Triglycerides normal range
40 to 150 mg/dL
Where are intradermal allergy and scratch testing generally performed on the patient’s body?
forearm
Generally, the larger the wheal, the more significant the allergy. If a wheal is evaluated less than 15 minutes from time of application, it may not have had enough time to develop a reaction.
when collecting specimens remember these five things.
Collect the specimen at the appropriate time.
Collect the specimen from the site of suspected infection.
Minimize transport time to a reference lab.
Collect the appropriate quantity.
Use the appropriate containers and label them accordingly.
The patient cleanses the genitalia area using three moist antiseptic wipes. The patient will begin by urinating in the toilet, then pause and collect the rest of the urine specimen in a sterile container or until it is adequately filled. This specimen is used for cultures or when a non contaminated specimen is required.
Clean Catch Midstream
How does a CCMA dispose of urine samples?
A designated sink
LDL (bad) Cholesterol normal ?
HDL (good) Cholesterol normal?
LDL -Less than 100 mg/dL
HDL -Greater than 60 mg/dL
What are the most common types of specimens in the ambulatory care setting?
blood, urine, and swab samples
Maintenance of a desired level of quality related to a service or piece of equipment.
quality assurance (QA)
For example, reviewing the expiration date of urine reagent strips is a means of quality control, whereas policies related to rotating stock to put the newest containers in the back of the storage area is a quality assurance measure.
Also, checking the temperature of the laboratory refrigerator and documenting it
on a log is a quality control measure. The policy of checking the temperature and maintaining it between 2° C and 8° C (35° F and 46° F) is a quality assurance measure.
The patient collects their first urine specimen of the morning in a clean container. This specimen is more concentrated and is often used for pregnancy testing or when other analytes (protein, nitrites) need to be evaluated.
First Morning Specimen
Why would a chain of custody be needed for a specimen?
A chain of custody must be established to document the handling of the specimen. Everyone who handles the specimen, including the patient being tested, must sign the chain of custody form.
Total Cholesterol normal range
130 to 200 mg/dL
Vision test to assess for color deficiency
Ishihara test.