Specimen Collection
BY
Mr. Akash Naeem
BSN Post RN
Definition:
• Collecting specimens is the process of acquiring tissue or fluids for
laboratory analysis. Some of the samples collected may include serum
samples, virology swab samples, biopsy and necropsy tissue,
cerebrospinal fluid, whole blood for PCR, and urine samples. Medical
Assistants collect these samples and then place them in specific
containers for successful processing in a lab.
Purpose of Specimen Collection:
• Specimen collection is vital for acquiring an accurate and timely
laboratory test result. To properly collect specimens, they must be
obtained through designated containers, correctly labeled, and
promptly transported to the lab.
Who can collect Specimens?
• Nurses typically collect specimens like urine, stool, and sputum
(saliva/mucus from the respiratory tract). In addition, they may
perform venipuncture to obtain blood samples. Specimens can also
be collected by a variety of other healthcare professionals, such as
Medical Assistants.
• Although the rules can vary by state, Medical Assistants are often
allowed to collect specimens through non-invasive measures. They
preserve specimens for testing, including urine, sputum, semen, and
stool. This common task allows MAs to assist physicians and other
healthcare professionals by allowing them to see more patients or
perform other tasks.
Equipments For Specimens
Collections:
• Necessary Equipment for Specimen Collection Typically, the suggested
supplies for specimen collection include but are not limited to the
following items:
• Gloves
• Apron
• Hand sanitizer
• Specimen container Body material
• Sample Incubator Refrigerator or freezer
Specimen Collection Prepration :
• While most collections don’t require much prep, there are some
guidelines that must be followed. These include reviewing the
appropriate information, such as the indicated specimen type, the
volume, the procedure, the collection materials, patient prep, and
storage instructions.
Specimen Collection Procedure:
• With these steps, you can start to learn more about the process of
collecting specimens. Of course, just like any other skill, specimen
collection requires a little time and practice to get it right. Remember
to follow the rules of your facility and ask for help whenever
necessary.
Specimen Collection Steps:
• Here are some of the general guidelines you should follow when collecting specimens from
a patient:
• Verify the patient’s identity. Some examples of acceptable identifiers include the patient’s
name, date of birth, and hospital number.
• Acquire a sample from the patient.
• Treat all biological material as potentially hazardous and follow your facility’s guidelines.
• Process the specimen as required by your facility or employer.
• Store the specimen.
• Appropriate storage is critical to maintaining the integrity of the specimen and, therefore,
the test results.
Recovery
• After the procedure, the patient can usually resume their normal activities. There isn’t a
recovery period for most types of specimen collection (i.e., urine, stool, etc.) If you are ever
in doubt, consult the attending physician first.
