Specimen handling

Giann Dawis

1. Proper Handling of Specimen.

2. Preparing samples for testing is one of the most routine, yet most critical, processes to ensure accurate results in the clinical laboratory.

3. Improperly handled samples can give misleading results and compromise the function of diagnostic instruments.

4. Specimens must be handled in a safe manner and according to applicable legal requirements or guidance.

5. Use universal precautions when handling specimens containing blood or other potentially infectious material.

6. Handling Specimen

7. Specimens must be collected in an appropriate specimen container to maintain the integrity of the specimen. Test Information Sheet specify the type of container or collection kit that should be used to collect the sample.

8. After collection, specimens must be labeled with the patient’s full name (or unique code number in the case of anonymous testing) and one other unique identifier such as the admission/identification or accession number.

9. Most specimens should be stored between 2-8°C. Specific handling/storage information is included in the test-specific  Kit Instruction Sheet and Test Information Sheet .  

10. Precautions in Handling Specimen

11. Deliver the specimen quickly to laboratory. Avoid spelling the material over the rim. Tightly screw on the cap of the container. Wipe off any spilled material on its outside with tissue paper.

12. All laboratory biological specimens should be regarded as hazardous and may be viewed as falling into one of the following categories: Routine specimens, in other words, those for which there is no history suggesting they present an increased biohazard.

13. Certain infected specimens regarded as possibly presenting a high biohazard include specimens from patients whose clinical history indicates the possibility of their suffering from the following: * Viral haemorrhagic fevers * Hepatitis B * Human Immunodeficiency Virus disease (A.I.D.S.) and cultures of the following organisms :

14. ‘Human Immunodeficiency Virus Brucella (all species) Mycobacterium of all species Salmonella typhimurium . These specimens and cultures must have a biohazard label affixed to the specimen container.

15. Always wear protective clothing, particularly disposable gloves. When handling samples and spilled material, masks may be required if there is a potential for aerosol production . Protective Clothing

16. Gloves should be removed in such a way that the skin does not come into contact with the external surface of the glove. At regular intervals the correct procedures should be demonstrated by senior laboratory personnel .

17. All glassware contaminated with fluid should be discarded into a strong solution of sodium hypochlorite ( approximately 0.5   percent available chlorine). Equipment

18. Disposable apparatus should be discarded into a wet strength bag that is autoclaved prior to being sent for incineration .

19. Centrifuges used for spinning body fluids should have a sealed rotor and/or sealed buckets with transparent lids which allow staff to see if a breakage has occurred.

20. If any body fluid is spilled, it should be cleaned up immediately with a liberal quantity of 70 percent alcohol followed by a strong solution of sodium hypochlorite (approximately  0.5   percent available chlorine).

21. Laboratory coats contaminated with body fluid must be placed in a chlorine bath for 30 minutes. Material used to clean up the spill must be disposed of separately via autoclaving.