SAMPLE COLLECTION
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Art: 714372-00L Rev. Date: 30-Jul-12 10-1
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Overview
The specimen used to fill a cartridge must be collected and handled properly
to ensure that the results represent the patient’s current status.
Specimens should be collected according to the facility’s policies and
procedures. The following precautions (taken from the references at the
conclusion of this section) can help avoid potential sources of error prior to
filling a cartridge or applying sample to a test strip.
VENIPUNCTURE - GENERAL
Overview
Venipunctures are typically performed for:
• acid-basebalance
• electrolyte studies
• metabolic studies
• coagulation studies
• hematologic studies
Observe the following precautions:
I.V. Line
Avoid drawing from an arm with an I.V. line. I.V. solutions will dilute the sample
and may interfere with the tests.
Tourniquet
Venous stasis (prolonged tourniquet application) and forearm exercise may
increase ionized calcium due to a decrease in pH caused by localized
production of lactic acid.
If a tourniquet is applied for more than one minute while looking for a vein,
release and reapply after two to three minutes.
Allow the tourniquet to remain in place until all blood is withdrawn to prevent
changes in ionized calcium and pH results.
Muscle Activity
Avoid extra muscle activity, such as clenching and unclenching the fist, which
may increase potassium results.
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