1. Sample Collection
❖Proper collection and handling of
specimens (blood, urine, tissue, etc.) are
critical for accurate results
❖ Patient Identification: Proper
identification of the patient is crucial to
avoid errors. This includes verifying the
patient’s name, date of birth, and unique
identifiers.
4.
1. Sample Collection
❖Collection Procedure: Depending on the
type of test, samples such as blood, urine,
sputum, or tissue are collected using
appropriate techniques and containers.
❖ Labeling: Immediately after collection,
samples are labeled with patient information,
date, time, and type of sample. Barcoding is
often used for accuracy and efficiency.
5.
2. Sample Processing
❖Centrifugation: For blood samples,
centrifugation separates plasma or serum from
cells.
❖ Aliquoting: Samples may be divided into
smaller aliquots for multiple tests or storage,
❖ Preparation: Some samples require additional
preparation, such as staining for microscopy or
extraction for molecular tests.
6.
3. Testing andAnalysis
❖Utilizes automated analyzers and manual
techniques to perform tests.
❖Testing and analysis are the core functions of a
clinical laboratory
❖where samples are examined to provide
diagnostic information.
❖This process involves a combination of
automated and manual techniques to ensure
accurate and reliable results.
7.
4. Result Interpretation
Labprofessionals interpret results, the following point are involved.
❖ using reference ranges to determine normal vs. abnormal findings.
❖ Patient history, medications, comorbidities
❖ Correlation with symptoms and other tests
8.
4. Result Interpretation
❖Critical Values
❖Immediate notification to healthcare providers
❖Documentation in medical records
❖ Types of Results
❖Quantitative (e.g., glucose = 120 mg/dL)
❖Qualitative (e.g., positive/negative)
❖Semi-quantitative (e.g., trace, 1+, 2+)
9.
5. Reporting
❖ Resultsare communicated to healthcare
providers, who use them to make clinical
decisions, or Patient.
❖ Added context for abnormal or complex
results
❖ Suggestions for further testing or actions
