Question

A arterial blood specimen submitted for blood gas analysis was obtained at 8:30 a.m. but was not received in the laboratory until 11:00 a.m. The technologist should:

a. Perform the test immediately upon receipt
b. Perform the test only if the specimen was submitted in ice water
c. Request a venous blood specimen
d. Request a new arterial specimen be obtained

Answer 1

The technologist should perform the arterial blood gas analysis only if the specimen was kept in ice water; otherwise, a new arterial specimen should be obtained to ensure accuracy.the right answer is D

Step-by-step explanation:

When handling an arterial blood specimen for blood gas analysis, it is crucial to perform the test as soon as possible after the sample is taken. If there is a substantial delay, such as the specimen being collected at 8:30 a.m. but not received until 11:00 a.m., the technologist should consider whether the specimen was preserved in ice water during the delay. If the specimen was indeed kept in ice water, which can help maintain the stability of the blood gases, the technologist should perform the test immediately upon receipt. If not, the integrity of the sample may be compromised. Therefore, the correct answer is the technologist should: b. Perform the test only if the specimen was submitted in ice water. If it was not, the technologist should request a new arterial specimen to ensure accurate results.