When a laboratory test order specifies a collection time, the medical office assistant's primary responsibility is to
Choose an answer, then check it.
Medical Office Assistant · Clinical Laboratory Technology and Diagnostics
Collection Timing, Transport, and Storage
On this page 3 sections
Quick check
5 questions here, of 85 in this lesson’s practice set. Answers stay hidden until you check.
A fasting blood specimen generally means the patient has
Choose an answer, then check it.
Just before a scheduled fasting lipid panel, a patient mentions they had toast and juice about two hours ago. The assistant should
Choose an answer, then check it.
A first morning urine specimen is often requested because it is
Choose an answer, then check it.
For a 24-hour urine collection, the patient should
Choose an answer, then check it.
Study tools & related lessonsYou’ll learn to · Related
You’ll learn to
- Apply correct collection timing for fasting, timed, trough/peak, first-morning, and stat specimens in accordance with clinician orders and office policy.
- Maintain required transport and storage conditions, including temperature, light protection, and container integrity, to preserve specimens in transit and in storage.
- Preserve specimen integrity by following processing, mixing, separation, and stability requirements and by recognizing conditions that degrade specimens.
- Escalate collection timing, transport, and storage problems to appropriate staff following office policy and the chain of command.
Sources & references
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Laboratory Quality
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration — Bloodborne Pathogens
- U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus
This lesson was adapted from the open educational references above; their licenses and attributions are preserved. See Copyright & Licensing.
Educational content only. It is not medical, legal or professional advice. Found an error? Tell us.