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1 CE HOURClinical Medical Assisting

Centrifugation and Specimen Processing for Medical Assistants

Key Terms: 
  • Hemolysis
  • Pre-analytical Phase
  • PPE
  • RCF
  • RPM
  • Specimen Integrity


 
Outline:
 
  • Introduction
     
    • Deeper Clinical Context
  •  
  • Pre-analytical Specimen Handling
     
    • Pre-Draw
       
      • Order of Draw
    •  

    • Post-Draw
       
      • Tube inversion
    •  
      • Visual inspection
    •  
      • Special Handling
         
        • Temperature
      •  
        • Light
      •  
        • Time
      •  


  • Knowledge Application Round 1
     
    • Delayed Transport of Blood Gases
  •  
    • Onc Patient Specimen Delay
  •  
    • Hemolyzed Potassium Specimen
  •  
    • Supporting Lab Quality
  •  
  • Principles of Centrifugation
     
    • What is a centrifuge
  •  
    • Which centrifuge to pick
  •  
    • Key components
       
      • Rotor / bucket
    •  
      • Lid
    •  
      • Motor
    •  
      • Control panel
    •  

  • Types of centrifuges
     
    • Micro-centrifuges
  •  
    • Hematocrit centrifuges
  •  
    • High speed
  •  
    • Ultra-centrifuges
  •  
    • Low speed centrifuges
  •  
    • Continuous flow
  •  
  • Procedures for safe operations
     
    • Pre-use check list
  •  
    • Safe operation
  •  
    • Balancing
  •  
    • Common hazards
  •  
    • Regulatory agencies
  •  
    • Communication and documentation
  •  
  • Emergency Procedures
     
    • Rotor failure
  •  
    • Bio-aerosol release
  •  
    • Imbalance events
  •  
  • Knowledge Application Round 2
     
    • Rotor Failure
  •  
    • Improper Balancing
  •  
    • Bio-aerosol release
  •  
  • Pre-analytical Specimen Processing Procedures
     
    • Timelines
  •  
    • Start of day check list
       
      • Centrifuge readiness
    •  
      • Work area preparation
    •  
      • Specimen transport and processing supplies
    •  

  • Key Takeaways

Accreditation Numbers

  • 586-4218-26