20 - Care of Specimens

Abstract

This chapter discusses the importance and need to take care of specimens. One must be careful with specimens removed from patients. The sister is entrusted with the handling, saving, labeling, and final disposition from the operating theatre of specimens that may be important for further diagnosis and treatment. Cultures demand the same attention and care from the theatre nurse. They are taken to assist with the patient's diagnosis and treatment; hence, it is not to the patient's advantage if they are improperly prepared, allowed to remain for long periods of time at improper temperature, are lost, are unlabeled, or if the forms are illegible or incomplete. Method set up should be used in theatre for recording of all cultures taken in the suite. Safe and immediate delivery to the laboratory of the culture should be assured. The individual tube or container should be labeled with the name of patient and hospital number.