Essential Guide to Specimen Container Types and Proper Handling in Phlebotomy

Summary

• Specimen containers are an essential part of phlebotomy, used to collect and transport blood and other bodily fluids for testing.
• Common types of specimen containers include vacutainer tubes, urine cups, and sterile containers for various types of samples.
• Proper labeling and handling of specimen containers are crucial to ensure accurate Test Results and patient safety.

Vacutainer Tubes

Vacutainer tubes are one of the most commonly used specimen containers in phlebotomy. They are plastic tubes with rubber stoppers that create a vacuum seal when blood is drawn into them. This vacuum helps prevent contamination and ensures a proper amount of blood is collected for testing.

Types of Vacutainer Tubes

1. Plain tubes: Used for general blood collection without any additives.
2. EDTA tubes: Contain the Anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to prevent blood clotting.
3. SST tubes: Contain a gel separator that separates serum from blood cells after centrifugation.
4. Heparin tubes: Contain the Anticoagulant Heparin to prevent blood clotting.

Urine Cups

Urine cups are used to collect and store urine samples for testing. They are typically made of plastic and have a lid to prevent spills and contamination. Urine cups are commonly used in Drug Testing, urinalysis, and pregnancy testing.

How to Collect a Urine Sample

1. Ask the patient to wash their hands before providing a urine sample.
2. Provide the patient with a clean urine cup and instruct them on how to collect the sample.
3. Label the urine cup with the patient's name, date, and time of collection.
4. Store the urine sample in a designated area until it can be sent to the lab for testing.

Sterile Containers

Sterile containers are used to collect various types of bodily fluid samples, such as saliva, stool, and sputum. These containers are typically made of clear plastic or glass and have a secure lid to prevent leaks and contamination. Proper handling and labeling of sterile containers are essential to ensure accurate Test Results.

Types of Sterile Containers

1. Saliva containers: Used to collect saliva samples for testing hormone levels, DNA, and Drug Testing.
2. Stool containers: Used to collect stool samples for testing gastrointestinal conditions, parasites, and bacterial infections.
3. Sputum cups: Used to collect sputum samples for testing respiratory infections, tuberculosis, and lung cancer.

Proper Labeling and Handling

Proper labeling and handling of specimen containers are crucial to ensure accurate Test Results and patient safety. The following guidelines should be followed when labeling and handling specimen containers:

Labeling Guidelines

1. Label each Specimen Container with the patient's name, date of birth, and identification number.
2. Include the date and time of collection on the label.
3. Use waterproof labels and indelible ink to prevent smudging or fading.

Handling Guidelines

1. Store specimen containers in a designated area away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
2. Transport specimens to the lab in a timely manner to prevent deterioration.
3. Follow proper safety protocols when handling potentially infectious specimens.

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