Specimen HandlingQuestion 61 of 100
A neonatal bilirubin is collected. How must the specimen be handled during transport?
a.Frozen immediately at minus 20 degrees Celsius
b.Left uncovered at room temperature to allow clotting
c.Kept in an ice slurry for at least 30 minutes
d.Protected from light, for example with an amber tube or foil wrap
Explanation
Bilirubin is photosensitive and degrades within minutes of light exposure, so an amber microtube or foil wrapping is used. Vitamin B12, folate, carotene and vitamin A require the same protection. Freezing whole blood hemolyzes it, chilling is not the required protection here, and leaving the tube exposed causes falsely low results.
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Related questions on this topic
- Which set of elements must appear on a blood specimen label?
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- Which specimen must be transported chilled in an ice slurry?
- A cryofibrinogen test is ordered. What handling is required?
- Within what time should serum or plasma be separated from cells for routine chemistry testing?
- Which collection practice is most likely to hemolyze a specimen?
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