Samples collections are taken to help determine the appropriate course of action of treatment for patients, so it is vital that you complete each step with the appropriate care and attention. Read on to learn everything you need to know about specimen collection.
What is specimen collection?
Specimen collection forms a part of routine health checkups, allowing medical professionals an insight into a patient’s health through a sample. There are several types of samples a professional may collect, depending on what they are trying to investigate:
- Serum sample
One of the most common types of specimen collection, involving the retrieval of blood from a patient. The vial of blood is spun to separate the cellular components from the liquid serum.
- Virology sample
A specimen collected to detect a virus or a viral disease. Types of specimens can include serum, respiratory, tissue, urine and more. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing carried out during the pandemic is an example of a virology sample.
- Biopsy and necropsy tissue
This involves taking a small amount of tissue to be sent to a lab for examination under a microscope. Biopsies can help detect cancer, hepatitis, kidney disease and infections. Necropsy can help determine a cause of death.
- Cerebrospinal fluid
This is a fluid that flows between the brain and the spinal cord, and samples can be used to determine neurological disorders and detect spinal cord or brain damage.
- Procalcitonin (PCT) testing
This is a form of blood sample collection that aids in the diagnosing of bacterial infections or sepsis.
Once a sample is processed in a laboratory, medical professionals will use the findings to diagnose medical conditions, determine the most effective treatment plan and help monitor the progression of diseases.
Who can perform sample collections?
The type of specimen collection determines who can carry out the procedure. Healthcare assistants can perform non-invasive specimen retrieval, including urine, sputum, semen and stool, whereas specialist medical professionals may be required to carry out more advanced procedures.
Why is accurate collection important?
Samples are required to offer important insights - even diagnoses - for patients, so it’s crucial that they are accurately collected and interpreted in order to avoid misdiagnosis or improper medical advice. If samples are contaminated, not large enough to be processed, or labeled incorrectly, they become invalid. The sample collection process then has to be repeated, delaying a patient's diagnosis.
The timing of a sample collection is also important for ensuring an accurate result. The procedure itself is often quick, but the sample is only valid for a relatively small period so needs to be transported quickly and efficiently to the lab or analyzing center.
How to perform a successful specimen collection
To ensure your sample is collected efficiently, make sure you have the following equipment available:
- Gloves
- Apron
- Hand sanitizer
- Specimen containers
- Body material sample
- Incubator
- Refrigerator or freezer
- Syringe
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Step one:
An important first step in obtaining a specimen collection is familiarizing yourself with the requirements of the specific laboratory being used to process the specimen. Most provide guidelines on specimen types and requirements as part of their quality assurance, so checking this can be helpful in the first instance.
Step two:
Preparing the patient for sample collection requires careful attention, not only to ensure the sample has the best chance of being valid, but also to ease any concerns or discomfort the patient may have.
Stress or excitement can increase a patient’s blood pressure or urine glucose levels, which can impact the validity of the sample. Take extra care to create a calm environment where the patient feels comfortable.
Step three:
As well as ensuring the patient is well-prepared, it’s important that the environment is properly sanitized before use. Check all cleaning procedures have been completed before beginning any form of sample collection, as an unclean environment can harm the sample as well as the patient. Any instruments used must also be sterilized beforehand to avoid cross-contamination.
Step four:
Not every sample requires the same collection technique, so make sure you are aware of the exact requirements for the procedure. Sample volumes, container types and instrument types, for example, can vary depending on the specific test.
When the correct sample requirements have been identified, and all your equipment is appropriate, sterile and close by, the specimen collection can take place.
Step five:
After performing the specimen collection, the sample must be labeled accurately in line with the requirements of the test.
Sample collection labels must include:
- Clinic name
- Patient name and date of birth
- Date and time of collection
- Whether sample was collected before or after medication
- Whether sample was collected before or the patient had eaten
Step six:
The International Air Transport Association have established specimen collection transport guidelines that should be followed stringently. The guidelines dictate that a triple-layer packaging scheme is required to protect the handles of packages while in transit and personnel at the laboratory.
The primary container used to house the sample must be leak proof. It is advised to place absorbent cushioning around the container to absorb any liquid in the event of a leak, as well as wrapping any glass containers individually in cushioning material to prevent breakage.
The secondary container should typically be a sealable plastic bag or insulated polystyrene foam insert. In a separate sealed bag, place any relevant paperwork, ensuring that it has been filled out correctly.
The final container is a shipping box made of rigid cardboard, often including polystyrene inserts to help protect samples during transportation. The box should be clearly labeled with the shipper’s name, phone number, address, and the biological category of the sample.
There is no room for error when taking specimen collection. The appropriate steps must be taken to help mitigate invalid sample collections.
Want to find out more about the high-quality specimen collection equipment available from Delta Scientific? Get in touch with us to learn more.