Final answer:
Proper specimen processing after blood collection includes correctly labeling the blood specimen, adhering to transport protocols, communicating details with the laboratory team, and processing the sample correctly, such as allowing for clotting in the tube. Confirming the specimen's integrity is key for accurate analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
To ensure proper specimen processing after a blood collection, a medical assistant should follow several critical steps. Initially, it is essential to confirm that the blood specimen is correctly labeled with the patient’s name and other pertinent information immediately after collection to prevent mix-ups. Proper labeling is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Next, the specimen must be handled and transported to the laboratory following established protocols to maintain specimen integrity. This may include timely centrifugation if serum or plasma is needed, as well as storage at the proper temperature until analysis. During the hour in the glass tube, blood will naturally clot, with the serum (the liquid portion of the blood without cells or clotting factors) rising to the top, which can then be harvested for testing. If clotting is undesirable, anticoagulant-coated tubes may be used.
Additionally, it is important for the medical assistant to communicate with the laboratory team, mentioning specific details during the hand-off of the specimen, such as the name of the procedure recorded and whether all the instrument and needle counts are complete. As part of a larger healthcare team, the medical assistant should report any issues with equipment to ensure future collections are done effectively. Finally, if the specimen is for blood type determination and both anti-A and anti-B antibodies cause agglutination, it indicates that the blood type is AB positive, which is a normal response and not an error.