The inquiry aims to understand and provide guidelines on the storage and management of specimens in the laboratory as it may influence the integrity of delicate samples, as discussed in the article of Rajeshwar Reddy Kasarla and Laxmi Pathak entitled "Tenets of Specimen Management in Diagnostic Microbiology." By scrutinizing specimen handling practices, including storage protocols and laboratory procedures, healthcare practitioners can identify avenues for enhancing the utilization of clinical microbiologist services to ensure accurate diagnostic results and enhance patient care and welfare.
According to Kasarla and Pathak (2023), it is crucial to promptly examine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after collection. If processing is not completed within two hours or if there is a delay, the specimen should be incubated at 37°C. Refrigeration is not recommended for bacteriological tests, as delicate organisms like Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis may not survive at cold temperatures (Specimen Handling and Storage - LabCE.com, Laboratory Continuing Education, n.d.). For viral isolation, CSF can be stored in the freezer or at -80°C.
Proper preservation of specimens is vital in diagnostic microbiology and other laboratory sections, aiding in result interpretation. Appropriate storage conditions ensure that microorganisms remain viable for culture or other diagnostic tests, contributing to reliable results. The handling and maintenance of specimens before and throughout procedures are essential aspects of any laboratory test technique. Failure to properly handle or maintain specimens can compromise or nullify the value of the test (Nucifora, 2015).
References:
- Kasarla, R. R., & Pathak, L. (2023). Tenets of Specimen Management in Diagnostic Microbiology. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences, 11(02), 63–66. https://doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v11i02.58133
- Nucifora, K. (2015, November 24). The Importance of Proper Specimen Collection and Handling. Lab Testing Matters. https://www.labtestingmatters.org/from-the-bench/the-importance-of-proper-specimen-collection-and-handling/
- Specimen Handling and Storage - LabCE.com, Laboratory Continuing Education. (n.d.). Www.labce.com. https://www.labce.com/spg546371_specimen_handling_and_storage.aspx
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According to the Review Article of Kasarla and Pathak (2023), if processing of specimen is not done within 2 hours after collection, the specimen should be stored at 4°C. The Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) sample should be kept in an incubator at 37°C if delay of testing is inevitable. However, it must be kept in mind to not refrigerate CSF sample as delicate pathogens like Haemophilus influenzae may die.
Reference:
Kasarla, R. R., & Pathak, L. (2023). Tenets of Specimen Management in Diagnostic Microbiology. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences, 11(02), 63–66. https://doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v11i02.58133
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