American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

What should be done with samples if a delay in processing occurs due to laboratory backups?

1. Store at room temperature

2. Send samples immediately

3. Refrigerate until processed

4. Dispose of all samples

The correct answer is: Send samples immediately

In the context of laboratory practices, when a delay in processing occurs, it is critical to ensure the integrity and stability of the samples. The most appropriate action in this scenario is to refrigerate the samples until they can be processed. When samples are delayed, especially for certain types of tests that may be affected by temperature fluctuations, refrigeration helps to slow metabolic processes and prevents degradation of the specimens. This is particularly important for blood samples, as certain components can break down or change over time if left at room temperature. Storing samples at room temperature could compromise their quality, leading to inaccurate test results. Sending samples immediately without addressing any potential delay could also result in unusable or unreliable data upon analysis. Disposing of the samples is not a responsible action either, as it wastes valuable material that could yield important diagnostic information. The best practice in the event of a laboratory backlog is to ensure samples are kept under optimal conditions, which typically means refrigerating them if there is any risk of extended delays.