76. A phlebotomist is preparing a collection for transport. Which of the following should be placed into an ice bath if processing is delayed for more than 30 min?
Answer: A
Ammonia should be placed into an ice bath if processing is delayed for more than 30 minutes.
When processing is delayed, ammonia specimens require immediate cooling to prevent degradation and ensure accuracy in testing.
A) Ammonia
Ammonia levels can rise quickly if the sample is not properly cooled. Placing ammonia specimens in an ice bath helps to stabilize the sample and maintain its integrity for accurate laboratory analysis.
B) Cold agglutinins
Cold agglutinins are affected by temperature, but they are typically tested at body temperature and do not require an ice bath for transport. They are more stable when kept at room temperature to avoid interference in testing.
C) Cryoglobulin
Cryoglobulin specimens should also be kept at body temperature rather than placed in an ice bath, as cooling can cause them to precipitate and lead to inaccurate results. Thus, they do not belong in an ice bath during transport.
D) Bilirubin
Bilirubin is sensitive to light and should be protected from light exposure, but it does not require an ice bath for transport. Instead, it is usually kept at room temperature to preserve its stability.
Conclusion
Ammonia is the only specimen listed that necessitates an ice bath if processing is delayed, as it is crucial for maintaining sample integrity. In contrast, the other options either require different handling conditions or do not require cooling, making them unsuitable for an ice bath transport protocol.