Handling and Storage Requirements for Different Types of Blood Specimens in the Medical Lab

Summary

• Proper handling and storage of blood specimens are crucial in maintaining their integrity and accuracy in medical lab testing
• There are specific requirements for different types of blood specimens, including whole blood, serum, plasma, and packed red blood cells
• Adhering to these requirements ensures reliable Test Results and patient safety

Introduction

In a medical laboratory setting, blood specimens are commonly collected for various Diagnostic Tests. Proper handling and storage of these specimens are critical to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results. Different types of blood specimens have specific requirements for handling and storage to maintain their integrity and prevent contamination. In this article, we will discuss the specific handling and storage requirements for different types of blood specimens in a medical lab setting in the United States.

Whole Blood

Whole blood refers to blood that has not been separated into its individual components, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When collecting whole blood specimens, it is essential to follow these handling and storage requirements:

Handling Requirements

1. Use a sterile Venipuncture method to collect the whole blood specimen
2. Mix the blood gently by inverting the collection tube several times to prevent clotting
3. Label the collection tube with the patient's information and the date and time of collection

Storage Requirements

1. Store the whole blood specimen at room temperature if testing will be performed within a few hours
2. If testing will be delayed, store the specimen in a refrigerator at 2-8 degrees Celsius
3. Avoid freezing whole blood specimens, as it can damage the red blood cells and affect Test Results

Serum

Serum is the liquid component of blood that remains after clotting has occurred. When handling and storing serum specimens, it is essential to follow these requirements:

Handling Requirements

1. Allow the blood specimen to clot for at least 30 minutes before centrifuging to separate the serum
2. Use a clean pipette to transfer the serum to a separate tube for testing
3. Label the serum tube with the patient's information and the date and time of collection

Storage Requirements

1. Store serum specimens in a refrigerator at 2-8 degrees Celsius to prevent degradation of labile analytes
2. Avoid freezing serum specimens, as it can cause changes in protein concentrations and affect Test Results

Plasma

Plasma is the liquid component of blood that remains after centrifugation of anticoagulated whole blood. When handling and storing plasma specimens, it is essential to follow these requirements:

Handling Requirements

1. Use an appropriate Anticoagulant tube to collect the blood specimen for plasma testing
2. Centrifuge the blood specimen immediately after collection to separate the plasma
3. Transfer the plasma to a clean tube for testing, avoiding hemolysis or contamination

Storage Requirements

1. Store plasma specimens in a freezer at -20 degrees Celsius for long-term storage to preserve labile analytes
2. Thaw frozen plasma specimens at room temperature and mix gently before testing to ensure homogeneity

Packed Red Blood Cells

Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are red blood cells that have been separated from plasma and other components. When handling and storing PRBC specimens, it is essential to follow these requirements:

Handling Requirements

1. Use a sterile method to collect PRBC specimens to prevent contamination
2. Store PRBC specimens in a blood bank refrigerator at 1-6 degrees Celsius to maintain cell viability
3. Label the PRBC unit with the donor's information, blood type, and expiration date

Storage Requirements

1. Do not freeze PRBC specimens, as it can damage the red blood cells and affect transfusion outcomes
2. Follow blood bank guidelines for proper storage and handling of PRBC units to ensure patient safety

Conclusion

Proper handling and storage of blood specimens are essential to maintain their integrity and accuracy in medical lab testing. Different types of blood specimens, including whole blood, serum, plasma, and packed red blood cells, have specific requirements that must be followed to ensure reliable Test Results and patient safety. By adhering to these handling and storage requirements, medical laboratory professionals can guarantee the quality of blood specimens and the accuracy of Diagnostic Tests.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only, reflecting the personal opinions and insights of the author(s) on the topics. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site or its use. No contributors to this web site make any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. The blog may also include links to external websites and resources for the convenience of our readers. Please note that linking to other sites does not imply endorsement of their content, practices, or services by us. Readers should use their discretion and judgment while exploring any external links and resources mentioned on this blog.

Related Videos