NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Specimen HandlingEasy
A phlebotomy technician has just collected a blood specimen for a STAT chemistry panel. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for specimen transport?
- AImmediately transport the specimen to the laboratory for processing.
- BPlace the specimen in a routine pick-up bin for the next scheduled courier.
- CCentrifuge the specimen at the collection site before transport.
- DRefrigerate the specimen for 30 minutes before sending it to the lab.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Immediately transport the specimen to the laboratory for processing.
STAT specimens require immediate attention to ensure rapid turnaround times for critical patient results. Delaying transport or performing unnecessary steps would go against the STAT protocol.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Routine pick-up is for non-urgent specimens and would cause significant delay for a STAT test.
- C. Centrifuging at the collection site is not standard practice and could delay transport, especially for STAT samples that need rapid lab processing.
- D. Refrigeration is generally not required for STAT chemistry panels and would introduce a delay.
STAT Specimen Transport
STAT specimens require immediate transport to the laboratory for urgent processing and analysis to provide rapid results for critical patient care decisions.
- Prioritize STAT over routine specimens.
- Minimize transport time.
- Follow facility-specific STAT protocols.
Memory trick: Speedy Transport Always Timely for STAT.