Page 19 - PHLEBOTOMY STUDY GUIDE

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SPECIAL SPECIMEN HANDLING

Cold Agglutinins
Cold agglutinins are antibodies produced in response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae
infection (atypical pneumonia). The antibodies formed may attach to red blood cells at
temperatures below body temperature, and as such, the specimen must be kept warm
until the serum is separated from the cells. Blood is collected in red-topped tubes pre-
warmed in the incubator at 37 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.

Chilled specimens
Some tests require that the specimen collected be chilled immediately after collection
in crushed ice or ice and water mixture. Likewise, the specimen must be immediately
transported to the laboratory for processing. Some of the tests that require chilled
specimen are arterial blood gases, ammonia, lactic acid, pyruvate, ACTH, gastrin, and
parathyroid hormone.

Light-sensitive specimens
Specimens are protected from light by wrapping the tubes in aluminum foil immediately
after they are drawn. Exposure to light could alter the test results for Bilirubin, beta-
carotene, Vitamins A & B6, and porphyrins.
SPECIAL SPECIMEN HANDLING
Chilled (on ice) Light sensitive Cold Agglutinins
(protect from light) (keep warm)
Ammonia (green) Bilirubin Pneumonia
Lactic acid (grey) Beta-carotene (pre-warmed red
ABG (anaerobic) Vitamins A & B6 top tube)
Gastrin porphyrins

Keep in mind that every lab is different, follow your facility standard operating
procedures.

Notes:
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