Question 66

Placing the specimen in ice is the appropriate action when transporting a specimen for ABG analysis.

Transporting an arterial blood gas (ABG) specimen on ice helps to preserve the integrity of the sample and prevent metabolic changes that can alter the results.

A) Collecting the specimen in an SST

Collecting the specimen in a serum separator tube (SST) is not appropriate for ABG analysis. SSTs are designed for serum testing and may not maintain the necessary conditions for analyzing blood gases, which require specific handling to prevent alterations in pH, carbon dioxide, and oxygen levels.

B) Placing the specimen in ice

Placing the specimen in ice is the correct action as it slows down cellular metabolism, thereby preserving the original composition of the blood for accurate analysis of gases, pH levels, and other critical values. This is essential for obtaining reliable ABG results.

C) Collecting the specimen in sodium citrate

Collecting the specimen in sodium citrate is incorrect for ABG analysis. Sodium citrate is an anticoagulant used primarily for coagulation studies and can interfere with the measurements of blood gases, leading to inaccurate results.

D) Inserting the specimen in a light-resistant package

While inserting the specimen in a light-resistant package may be useful for certain types of samples that are sensitive to light, it does not address the critical need for temperature control in ABG transport. This option does not provide the necessary preservation for metabolic processes that could affect the ABG results.

Conclusion

Placing the specimen in ice is the only action that ensures the integrity of the ABG analysis by preventing metabolic activity that could skew results. Other options, such as using an SST or sodium citrate, either do not provide the correct conditions for ABG testing or could compromise the sample's accuracy. Thus, option B is definitively the correct choice for transporting specimens for ABG analysis.