Final answer:
When receiving a patient-collected specimen, a healthcare professional must ensure correct labeling with patient information and follow strict aseptic technique to prevent contamination, including handling the specimen correctly and adhering to lab protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
When receiving a specimen collected by a patient, the healthcare professional should follow proper laboratory protocol to ensure the accuracy and safety of the process. It is crucial to ensure that the specimen is correctly labeled with the patient's name and any other relevant data. This includes confirming the name of the procedure as recorded and noting whether all necessary counts, such as needle, sponge, and instrument counts, are complete or if they are not applicable.
Aseptic technique should be employed throughout the handling of the specimen to prevent contamination. This includes practices like not allowing any direct contact with hands, skin, or lab surfaces, using pipettes correctly, and keeping tubes or bottles at an angle during transfers to minimize potential contamination.
Specific protocol steps vary depending on the specimen and test being performed, but generally, wearing gloves, storing samples appropriately (such as RNA on ice), and handling all materials carefully to avoid contamination are part of best practices in lab work.