Final answer:
Clinical tests for ABG, ammonia, lactic acid, pyruvate, and parathyroid hormone require specific handling and processing to ensure accurate results, with prompt analysis and proper techniques employed to prevent alteration of the sample.
Step-by-step explanation:
Handling tests such as ABG (Arterial Blood Gas), ammonia, lactic acid, pyruvate, and parathyroid levels requires specific procedures to ensure accurate measurement of each parameter. The collection and handling of samples involve precise methods to maintain the integrity of the specimen and the reliability of the results.
Lab tests for pH, PCO₂, and HCO₃ can identify conditions like acidosis and alkalosis, indicating whether the imbalance is respiratory or metabolic. ABG tests, for instance, involve drawing blood from an artery, usually at the wrist, and must be performed with care to prevent air from entering the sample, which could alter the gas measurements. Ammonia levels must be assessed promptly as it is highly unstable, and lactic acid requires swift processing due to its tendency to increase post-collection.
Similarly, pyruvate samples require rapid chilling and sometimes the addition of preservatives to slow down metabolic processes that could change the compound's concentration. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) tests involve serum samples that need to be collected without significant delay to prevent degradation of the hormone.
Diagnosis of metabolic conditions is closely tied to these lab tests. For instance, metabolic acidosis may be suggested by lower-than-normal bicarbonate levels. Compensation mechanisms, such as respiratory adjustments, may be indicated by corresponding changes in PCO₂ levels.