|
Correct Answer: interfere with light transmittance on different coagulation instruments.
blood specimen samples that are grossly icteric or lipemic can significantly interfere with the diagnostic processes in a lab, particularly affecting the light transmittance in various coagulation instruments. this interference can lead to inaccurate test results, affecting patient care and treatment plans.
icteric samples, characterized by high bilirubin levels, commonly result from liver conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. bilirubin, being a yellow compound, can alter the color of the plasma, making it appear more yellow than normal. this discoloration can affect optical measurements as many coagulation tests rely on the optical density of the sample to determine results. the altered optical density can lead to false readings or an inability of the instrument to correctly interpret the sample.
similarly, lipemic samples, which contain high levels of lipids or fats, cause the plasma to appear turbid or milky. this turbidity can scatter light beams used in photometric or optical coagulation analyzers, leading to incorrect measurements or errors in the assay readings. as light struggles to pass uniformly through a turbid sample, the instrument may fail to accurately detect clot formation times, which are essential for tests like the prothrombin time (pt) or activated partial thromboplastin time (aptt).
before processing, it is crucial for laboratory personnel to inspect the blood specimen for proper fill, absence of gross clots, and visual abnormalities such as icterus, lipemia, and hemolysis. recognizing these conditions before testing can help in deciding whether the sample should be diluted, re-drawn, or processed with different methods to minimize the influence on test outcomes.
in summary, blood samples that are grossly icteric or lipemic have a pronounced effect on light transmittance, which is critical for the function of coagulation instruments. this can compromise the reliability and accuracy of the coagulation test results, ultimately impacting clinical decision-making. therefore, proper sample assessment and handling are imperative to ensure accurate diagnostic testing.
|
