NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Specimen HandlingEasy
A phlebotomy technician is preparing a specimen for shipment to an off-site laboratory. Which of the following materials is essential to include in the secondary container for safety?
- AAbsorbent material.
- BA patient information leaflet.
- CA temperature monitoring device.
- DExtra collection tubes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Absorbent material.
Absorbent material is essential in the secondary container to contain any spills or leakage from the primary specimen container, preventing contamination and ensuring safety during transport.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A patient information leaflet is generally not placed inside the secondary container with the specimen, but rather with the requisition or outer packaging.
- C. A temperature monitoring device may be used for temperature-sensitive specimens, but absorbent material is a universal safety requirement for all biological specimens.
- D. Extra collection tubes are not part of the specimen shipment for safety; they are for collection, not transport.
Absorbent Material in Transport
Absorbent material is a mandatory component of specimen packaging for transport, designed to soak up any leaks from the primary container and prevent biohazard contamination.
- Required by IATA and DOT regulations.
- Placed between primary and secondary containers.
- Prevents spread of infectious material.
Memory trick: Spills are a no-no, absorbent material says 'whoa!'