Question 38

Bilirubin is a photosensitive blood specimen test that should be protected from light during handling and transportation.

Bilirubin levels can be significantly affected by exposure to light, leading to inaccurate results if not properly protected during transport and processing.

A) Gastrin

Gastrin is not a photosensitive test and does not require protection from light. Its stability is not compromised by light exposure, making it unnecessary to take special precautions during handling and transportation.

B) Ammonia

Ammonia levels are also not affected by light exposure, and thus this test does not require protection from light. Proper handling of ammonia specimens primarily focuses on preventing contamination and maintaining cold temperatures.

C) Pyruvate

While pyruvate is sensitive to factors such as temperature and time, it is not specifically photosensitive. Therefore, light protection is not a requirement for maintaining the integrity of pyruvate samples.

D) Bilirubin

Bilirubin is highly photosensitive and must be protected from light to prevent degradation. Exposure to light can lead to decreased levels of bilirubin in the sample, resulting in misleading test results.

Conclusion

Bilirubin is the only test among the options listed that is sensitive to light and requires protective measures during handling and transportation. The other tests—gastrin, ammonia, and pyruvate—do not have this requirement, making them unsuitable answers for the question posed. Thus, understanding the specific handling needs of each test is crucial for accurate laboratory results.