collecting and testing specimens copyright © 2012 by mosby, an imprint of elsevier inc. all rights...

Collecting and Testing Specimens

Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ordered by doctors, specimens (samples) are collected and tested to prevent, detect, and treat disease.

Most specimens are tested in the laboratory.o All specimens sent to the laboratory require requisition

slips. Some tests are done at the bedside.


Slide 2

Urine specimens are collected for urine tests. Random urine specimen is used for a routine

urinalysis (UA).o It is collected any time during a 24-hour period.o Many people can collect the specimen themselves.

• Weak and very ill persons need help.


Slide 3

Midstream specimen (clean-voided specimen or clean-catch specimen)o The perineal area is cleaned before collecting the

specimen.o To collect the specimen:

• The person starts to void into a device.• The person stops the urine stream.• A sterile specimen container is positioned.• The person voids into the container until the specimen is

obtained.


Slide 4

The 24-hour urine specimeno All urine voided during a 24-hour period is collected.o Urine is chilled on ice or refrigerated during this time.o A preservative is added to the collection container for

some tests.o The person voids to begin the test with an empty

bladder.• Discard this voiding.• Save all voidings for the next 24 hours.

o The test is restarted if:• A voiding was not saved.• Toilet tissue was discarded into the specimen.• The specimen contains stool.


Slide 5

To collect a urine specimen from an infant or a child who is not toilet-trained, a collection bag (“wee bag”) is applied over the urethra.

Voiding on request is hard for toilet-trained toddlers and young children.o Potty chairs and specimen pans are useful.o Remember to use terms the child understands.


Slide 6

The doctor orders the type and frequency of urine tests. The nurse may ask you to do these simple urine tests.o Testing for pH

• Urine pH measures if urine is acidic or alkaline.• A random urine specimen is needed.

o Testing for glucose and ketones• The diabetic person may have sugar (glucose) in the urine

and ketones in the urine.• Tests for glucose and ketones are usually done 4 times a

day—30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime.• The doctor uses the test to make drug and diet decisions.


Slide 7

o Testing for blood• Injury and disease can cause hematuria (blood in the

urine).• Sometimes blood is seen in the urine.• At other times, it is unseen (occult).• A random urine specimen is needed.

Using reagent strips• Do not touch the test area on the strip.• Dip the strip into urine.• Compare the strip with the color chart on the bottle.


Slide 8

Straining urineo A stone (calculus) can develop in the kidney, ureter, or

bladder.• Stones (calculi) vary in size.• Stones causing severe pain and urinary system damage

may require removal by medical or surgical procedures.• Some stones pass through urine.

• All of the person’s urine is strained.• Passed stones are sent to the laboratory.


Slide 9

Stools are studied for fat, microbes, worms, blood, and other abnormal contents.o Bleeding may occur in very small amounts

• Stools are tested for occult (hidden) blood.• Stools are tested for occult blood to screen for colon

cancer and other digestive disorders.• Occult blood test kits vary. Follow manufacturer’s

instructions.o Urine must not contaminate the stool specimen.

• The person uses one device for voiding and another for a BM.

o Some tests require a warm stool.• The specimen is taken at once to the laboratory or

storage area.Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Slide 10

Mucus from the respiratory system is called sputum when expectorated (expelled) through the mouth.o Sputum is not saliva.

Sputum specimens are studied for blood, microbes, and abnormal cells.o The person coughs up sputum from the bronchi and

trachea.o It is easier to collect a specimen in the morning.


Slide 11

Blood glucose testing is used for persons with diabetes.o The doctor uses the results to regulate the person’s

drugs and diet. Capillary blood is obtained through a skin

puncture.o A drop of blood is collected.o A fingertip is the most common site for skin punctures.


Slide 12

To perform a skin puncture:o Inspect the puncture site carefully for signs of

trauma and skin breaks.o Do not use swollen, bruised, cyanotic, scarred, or

calloused skin.o Use the side toward the tip of the middle or ring

finger.o You use a sterile, disposable lancet to puncture the

skin.• The person feels a brief, sharp pinch.


Slide 13

Using a reagent strip, a glucometer (glucose meter) measures blood glucose.o You apply a drop of blood to a reagent strip.o The blood glucose level appears on the screen.o Many types of glucometers are available.

• You learn to use your agency’s device.


Slide 14

collecting and testing specimens copyright © 2012 by mosby, an imprint of elsevier inc. all rights...

Documents

imprint of elsevier

random urine specimen

urine specimens

hour urine specimenall

urine stream

frequency of urine tests

simple urine tests

specimen pans