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1 CE HOURClinical Medical Assisting

Specimen Collection Beyond Blood: Urine, Stool, and Swab Accuracy

Course Creator: Nichelle Volker RMA  
Total CE Hours: 1 
Course Number: 586-4220-26
 
Key Terms:
Pre-analytical 
Contamination 
Preservative 
Sterile specimen 
Chain of custody 
Transport media 
Aliquot 
Rejection criteria 
Outline: 

I. Introduction 
  • Course Objectives
  • Key Terminology

II. Pre-Analytical Variables and Specimen Integrity
  • The Pre-Analytical Phase
  • How Non-Blood Specimens Become Compromised
  • Patient Identification and Labeling Requirements
  • Common Causes of Specimen Rejection
  • Infection Control and PPE
  • Knowledge Application: Specimen Identification Error

III. Urine Specimen Collection and Handling
  • Overview of Urine Specimens
  • Clean-Catch Midstream Collection
  • First Morning Urine Specimens
  • Timed Urine Collections
  • Catheterized and Suprapubic Specimens
  • Urine Specimen Storage and Transport
  • Knowledge Application: Timed Urine Collection Errors

IV. Stool Specimen Collection and Handling
  • Overview of Stool Specimens
  • Patient Collection Instructions
  • Stool Test Containers and Preservatives
  • Why Stool Specimens Are Frequently Rejected
  • Storage and Transport Requirements
  • Common Stool Collection Errors
  • Collection Challenge: Stool Specimen Handling Issues

V. Swab, Sputum, and Saliva Specimen Collection and Transport
  • Overview of Swab, Sputum, and Saliva Specimens
  • Collection Technique and Contamination Prevention
  • Transport Media and Specimen Stability
  • Types of Transport Media
  • Timing and Transport Requirements
  • Transport Breakdown: Improper Specimen Transport

VI. Clinician-Collected Specimens and MA Transport Responsibilities
  • Clinician-Collected Non-Blood Specimens
  • MA Responsibilities During Specimen Handling
  • Medical Assistant Scope During Specimen Transport
  • Tissue Specimen Transport Considerations
  • Specimen Packaging and Biohazard Transport
  • Specimen Handling Decision Points
  • Collection Challenge: Tissue Specimen Verification

VII. Professional Responsibilities and Specimen Integrity
  • Preventing Pre-Analytical Errors
  • Professional Accountability in Specimen Handling
  • Key Takeaways

References:
 
  1. Lippi, G., & Plebani, M. (2020). The importance of the pre-analytical phase for laboratory testing. Biochemia Medica, 30(1), 1–15.
  2. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. (2020). Procedures for the Handling and Processing of Blood Specimens for Common Laboratory Tests (CLSI GP44).
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Standard Precautions for All Patient Care.
  4. Pagana, K. D., Pagana, T. J., & Pagana, T. N. (2023). Mosby’s Diagnostic & Laboratory Test Reference (16th ed.). Elsevier.
  5. Strasinger, S. K., & Di Lorenzo, M. S. (2020). Urinalysis and Body Fluids (7th ed.). F.A. Davis.
  6. McPherson, R. A., & Pincus, M. R. (2022). Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods (24th ed.). Elsevier.
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). DPDx Laboratory Identification of Parasites of Public Health Concern.
  8. Forbes, B. A., Sahm, D. F., & Weissfeld, A. S. (2022). Bailey & Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology (15th ed.). Elsevier.
  9. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. (2023). Quality Management of Microbiological Transport Systems (CLSI M40).
  10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Guidelines for Specimen Collection and Handling.
  11. College of American Pathologists. (2023). Specimen Collection and Handling Guidelines.
  12. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. (2021). Laboratory Specimen Transport and Handling.
  13. American Association of Medical Assistants. (2024). Medical Assisting Scope of Practice.
  14. Garcia, L. S. (2020). Clinical Laboratory Management (2nd ed.). ASM Press.
  15. Mortazavi, H., Yousefi-Koma, A.-A., & Yousefi-Koma, H. (2024). Extensive comparison of salivary collection, transportation, preparation, and storage methods: A systematic review. BMC Oral Health, 24(1), 168. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-024-03902-w
  16. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (2023, November 19). Routine Sputum Culture. Mount Sinai. Retrieved July 4, 2024, from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/routine-sputum-culture

Accreditation Numbers

  • 586-4220-26