Labeled Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

The technologist is responsible for examining CSF samples as they are received. If any of the following conditions are present, the results of testing could be uninterpretable: Tubes are not labeled.Tubes are not numbered.Specimen contains a blood clot.Specimen contains less than 0.5 ml CSF.

Separated bands or zones can be visualized with stains and dyes. Densitometry can be used to detect and usually quantitate stained separated fragments. Some electrophoresis methods use labeled probes to detect presence of unknowns in samples.

Molecular diagnostic techniques utilize CE extensively. Automation, microvolume sample, increased sensitivity, immediate detection, and the computerization provided by CE enhance the analysis of nucleic acids. A multiple fluorescence detection system available with CE is also valuable.CE analysis of short tandem repeat polymorphisms is used in forensics, parentage testing, bone marrow engraftment analysis and other identification assays. Other testing for diagnosis of genetic diseases, oncology studies and DNA sequencing frequently utilize CE. DNA sequencing uses CE for separation of nucleotides labeled with multiple colored fluorescence dyes; CE and these markers enable computerized determination of the nucleotide sequence of DNA segments.

Apolipoproteins are divided into six major classes and several sub-classes. The classes are labeled A through H and the sub-classes are designated with specific numbers. For example, in apolipoprotein class A there exists apo A1, apo A2, apo A4 and apo A5; all are different and distinct apolipoproteins. Notice in the table to the right that the same apolipoprotein can be found on different lipoprotein particles. Also notice that particles can have multiple apolipoproteins. This list is not comprehensive but illustrates some of the major apoliproteins associated with lipoprotein particles.

Hybridization is the pairing or annealing of two strands of DNA. Hybridization is therefore based on the formation of double stranded hybrids from single stranded nucleic acids. These double stranded hybrids form under precise conditions and are detected using probes. A probe is a set of nucleic acids of known identity which seeks out the target of interest. Depending on the detection technique, probes and/or targets can either be labeled or unlabeled and the reaction can take place with one attached to a matrix or in solution, thus dividing the techniques into two broad categories: Solid phase Solution phase

Forward typing is done using known antisera to detect ABO antigens present on the patient’s red cells. In the tube test, known antisera and patient cells are placed in labeled test tubes, centrifuged, and observed for agglutination. Each manufacturer has specific instructions for its own antisera, detailing the percent of cell suspension, number of drops of cell suspension versus number of drops of antisera, and the rate and length of centrifugation. Though the details differ, the theory behind the tests is the same.

Place blood and other infectious specimens ... first in an appropriate sealed container and then in a secondary red or biohazard labeled bag. Or place them in a compartmentalized tray for transport within the institution.

Contaminated sharps must be placed in puncture resistant, leak-proof, closable, biohazard labeled containers.These must be closed when only three quarters full, to prevent sharps from sticking out of the opening, and must be disposed of properly.Like specimen containers, they must be clearly marked with the biohazard symbol.

Every chemical container is labeled by the manufacturer. The format of the label will differ from company to company. The label must contain similar types of information to meet the OSHA and DOT regulations. The label makes it easy for you to find a chemical's possible hazards. The basic steps to protect yourself against the chemical's hazards are listed on the label.

More importantly, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has labeled formaldehyde a potential human carcinogen.

More importantly, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has labeled formaldehyde a potential human carcinogen.

The primary receptacle that contains a category A substance that will be sent at ambient temperature must be glass, plastic, or metal. A method must be employed to ensure that the receptacle is leakproof or siftproof (if the specimen is a dry particulate material). Acceptable methods include: heat sealing, using a skirted stopper or metal crimp seal. If screw caps are used, they must be secured by tape, paraffin sealing tape, manufactured locking closure, or similar methods. The completed package must be able to survive a drop test of 35 ft. A package containing category A substances that will be sent by cargo aircraft must be limited to no more than 4L or 4 kg. This excludes ice, dry ice, or liquid nitrogen, if any of these are used as refrigerants.If the package will be sent on a passenger aircraft, the quantity cannot exceed 50 mL or 50 gm. If a category A specimen exceeds 50 mL or 50 gm, it must be labeled as "Cargo aircraft only." Category A substances cannot be mailed via the United States Postal Service (USPS).

Fluoresence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) is also a homogenous competitive immunoassay. In this system, fluorescein-labeled drug competes with unlabeled drug from the patient's serum sample for binding sites on an antibody reagent. The patient's sample, presumably containing the therapeutic drug that is being monitored, and the fluorescein-labeled drug are added to a chamber containing antibody for that drug. The labeled and unlabeled drug will compete for binding sites on the antibody. The greater the amount of drug in the sample, the fewer the number of binding sites that are available for the labeled analyte, leaving a greater number of small, free fluorescein-labeled molecules in the solution.When the chamber is excited with plane polarized light, fluorescein will absorb the light and emit it at a higher wavelength as fluorescent light. A small, free fluorescein-labeled drug rotates randomly and faster than it would if it were bound to antibody, interrupting the light and leading to less emission of light. The larger antibody-drug-fluorescein complexes rotate slower and emit more light in the measured plane. A lower level of drug in the patient's sample results in greater emission of polarized light because there are more antibody-drug-fluorescein complexes present to produce light in the measured plane. A higher level of drug in the patient's sample results in a lower emission of polarized light. This inverse relationship between the concentration of the drug and the polarization units (signal) is illustrated in the image below.

Detach the properly labeled armband stub.Insert the armband completely into the non-removable bracelet, and attach the bracelet securely to the patient’s wrist. The procedure at your own institution may vary from that described above. Follow it carefully to avoid errors.

All specimens must be labeled in the presence of the patient at the time of collection. Inaccurate or incomplete labeling may result in rejection of the specimen by the laboratory. Unlabeled specimens will automatically be rejected by the laboratory. When labeling a specimen for the laboratory, the following information must be included: Patient's first name and last name Hospital medical record number, date of birth or alternate unique patient number Collector's ID Time the specimen was collected Date the specimen was collectedA phlebotomist must NEVER pre-label specimen containers. This can result in specimen mix-up and potentially disastrous consequences for the patient.

Required Step Description Step #1 Wash your hands. Clean your hands with soap and water or gel cleanser. Step #2 Positively identify patient using unique identifiers. Ask the patient to state his/her first and last name; if the patient is unable to give you this information, ask the patient's caregiver to confirm the patient's name. A second unique identifier must also be used. Step #3 Special test requirements Determine if the test to be obtained has any special requirements. For example, should the patient be fasting? Is this a timed test? If any requirements are not met, consult with the caregiver to determine a course of action. Step #4 Prepare the patient Explain the procedure to the patient and obtain cooperation. Usually the patient will extend an arm. (This is a form of implied consent.) Position the arm for venipuncture; support the arm on a firm surface; the arm should be in a downward position. Step #5 Site determination The patient can make a fist, but should not pump the hand open and closed. Apply tourniquet Palpate the vein. Release the tourniquet and assemble appropriate equipment. Step #6 Aseptic technique Wear gloves that have not been altered in any way. Cleanse site with approved disinfectant. Allow the disinfectant to air-dry to avoid hemolysis of the specimen and discomfort to the patient. Step #7 Specimen collection Re-apply tourniquet about 3-4 inches above puncture site, insert needle, bevel-side up, at about a 30° angle, and collect specimens. Remove needle and immediately activate the safety device. Mix specimens by gentle inversion 5-10 times. Step #8 Patient care Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding at puncture site; do not have patient bend arm as this may cause a hematoma to form. After about 2 minutes, check the puncture site to verify that bleeding has stopped. Apply bandage if appropriate. Thank the patient for his/her cooperation. Step #9 Specimen labeling Label specimen(s) in the presence of the patient including all the information that is required by your facility. Check the labeled tubes a second time against the patient's wristband to verify labeling accuracy. A professional phlebotomist follows the procedure in the same way for every venipuncture. This ensures that none of the vital steps are omitted. The phlebotomist who is consistent in performance and who concentrates fully to obtain a quality specimen is an indispensable part of the healthcare team.