ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manual

chapter  16

Procedure

Preanalytic Phase

Step Action 1. Check arriving specimen for proper labeling and documentation of the following information: • Patient’s name

• Identification number • Date and time of sample • Age and location of patient • Body temperature • Fi O 2

or flow rate and mode of supplemental O 2

delivery, PEEP or CPAP

• Ventilatory status (e.g., ventilator or spontaneously breathing) • Site of sampling • Position of patient and activity

2. Record the date and time of the receipt of the specimen in the laboratory (3, 8). 3. Assure specimen has been transported appropriately and in a timely manner. 4. Accept or reject the specimen. A specimen may be rejected for analysis when improperly labeled, transported, or stored (2, 3, 8). However, it is preferable to call the submitter and describe the problem. Questionable speci- mens may be processed and reported as described in the laboratory’s policy and procedure manual. 5. Mix the blood sample thoroughly immediately prior to analysis. 6. Assure analyzer is calibrated and operating properly

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