Biological Specimen Collection Safety and Identification Protocol

General Protocol for Specimen Collection

Keep in mind that all specimens must be treated with care and respect, as any sample can be potentially infectious. Personnel must therefore fulfill universal precautions for the protection of workers against the risks of exposure to biological agents. These precautions are a set of measures designed to protect workers while they handle patients, fluids, or specimens.

The Three Phases of Specimen Procurement

Phase One: User Identification and Information

This phase involves the identification of the user requesting the analysis. This includes:

• Verifying that the user data coincides with the request data.
• Studying the request and noting any special conditions that require specific determinations.
• User Preparation: Explain the procedure, what instructions must be followed, and if the user is collecting the sample, explain the proper collection method.

Phase Two: Preparation and Procedure Completion

Preparation of the Patient and Equipment

1. Patient preparation, identification, and verification of identification.
2. Annotation of documents.
3. Facilitate relaxation.
4. Inform the person regarding hand washing and glove use.
5. Preparing the necessary material.

Completion of the Procedure

• Ensure the material is sterile.
• Ascertain the feasibility of obtaining the specimen.
• Act quickly and firmly.
• Observe the reactions of the patient.

Phase Three: Post-Extraction Measures

Before the person leaves the extraction area, the following steps must be implemented:

• Implement measures to avoid further risks.
• Observe patient reactions.
• Record necessary information to ensure proper shipment.
• Clean and secure the laboratory collection area.

Specimen Identification

Correct identification of specimens, ensuring they correspond without error to a single person and a single act of procurement, is crucial for the quality of results. Great care is essential in identifying the correct patient. Simultaneous identification of requests and specimens is required.

The laboratory's identification system must be appropriate for the type of laboratory and must ensure unique identification. Identification can be performed using the following methods:

Identification Methods

Manual Labeling

Labels are applied to the specimen collection vessel, marking the patient's name and the laboratory identification number. The number awarded is used throughout the analytical processes. This identification is often transient until the laboratory assigns a permanent bar code.

Pre-Printed Labels (Barcoded)

Uses pre-printed labels with sequential numbering linked to a bar code, which has the corresponding number. At the time of specimen collection, one label is affixed to each recipient and another to the printout/request form. This method often utilizes peripherals in the extraction area.

Printed at the Time of Receipt

Labels are generated when the specimen reaches the extraction area. Data is entered, and the required labels are immediately printed.