Body Fluids

Specimen Collections

Sputum Collections

• Sputum: secretions from the lower respiratory tract

• Useful in determining specific types of respiratory disorders

• Patient may obtain sample by coughing, or by respiratory induction. ( RT uses a catheter to suction out secretions)

Sputum Collections

• Some specimens require collection for up to 3 days.

• Pts. Who present with TB symptoms hve to obtain specimens for 3 consecutive mornings .

• * for easier acquisition of sputum, it is advisable for pt’s to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day

Sputum…cont

• All samples must be taken to the lab immediately… or refrigerated…

• Pt’s information, time of collection, etc must accompany specimen to the lab.

• Must be placed in biohazard bag for transport to lab.

• WEAR GLOVES!!!!

Stool Specimens.

• All “rules” regarding Universal precautions should be observed when obtaining stool specimens.

• Pt may expell specimen in a “specipan” container…or

• Digital removal of specimen may be required.

Stool Specimens

Specimen should be obtained with a tongue depressor, about the size of a half dollar. Placed in a sterile container. Secure lid tightly, Label with pt. Information, and time of collection..place in biohazard bag.

Lab request slip with test to be performed..Most common tests are for: occult blood, ova

and parasites..

Specimen Collections

Body Fluid Collections

Urine Specimens• Urinalysis: most frequently ordered

test

• 3 major areas of testing:

• Physical

• Chemical

• Microscopic

Urinalysis

• Collected in plastic test tubes

• Pt’s name, date, time of collection on tube

• Tests should be performed within 2 hours of obtaining specimen. If not specimen should be refrigerated

Urinalysis• FYI• 1st am urine is the most concentrated• Random urine specimens (no

preparation/nonscheduled)• Midstream Catch: partial voiding before

obtaining sample, about 3 oz. ( this clears sloughed off cells, bacteria, mucous, or other debris that could interfere with test accuracy)

24 hour urine sample• Large container with preservative added

• Must be refrigerated during the 24 hrs (usually in a bucket of ice)

• Should start with the 2nd voiding of the day

• Should end with the 1st voiding of the next am.

• Pt’s name, date, time collection began

Pediatric urine sample

• Collection bags fit over child’s genitals and are secured with tape

• Can be done at home. Instruct parents to transfer urine from bag into clean dry container for transport to lab.

• Pt’s name, date, time of collection

Catheterization• 3 reasons for catheterization:

• To obtain a sterile urine sample for analysis

• To relieve urinary retention

• To instill medicine into the bladder, after the bladder is emptied

• For urine sample: Quick Cath, In & Out Cath

• For incontinence: Foley Catheter

Catheterization

Catheter

Collection

Bag

Bladder

Urinalysis• Culture & Sensitivity:

determines what be maintained throughout the procedure microorganism is present and what antibiotic will be effective in treatment

• Sterile Technique must be followed.

Physical Characteristics

• color: pale yellow to red

• clarity: clear, cloudy, with exudate, etc.

• odor: none, slight, strong, foul

• specific gravity:

( indicates concentration of urine..values between 1.003-1.035 nml)

Urinalysis

• Physical cont’

• Hematuria: blood content in urine: gives urine a rusty to red color

• Medications can cause change in color:

• Pyridium= orange

Chemical Urinalysis• Done to reveal abnormal substances in urine• Reagent Strips: convenient, inexpensive

diagnostic test• Abnormal substances in urine include:

glucose, albumin(protein), ketones (acetone), bilirubin, blood, nitrates, leukocytes.

• Can measure pH (nml= 5.0-7.0) and specific gravity as well

Microscopic Urinalysis

• Done to detect specific abnormalities, ie: microbes, crystals, cells etc…see pg 587