quizlet 3

• Aqueous solutions, plasma, and serum samples or banked erythrocytes


  Often contain lysed RBCs that have released hemoglobin into the solution
• Surgical procedures


  1. Patient's blood is salvaged, washed, and reinfused

  2. Prior to reinfusion, the salvaged blood is tested for residual free hemoglobin
• A high free hemoglobin level indicates that too many red cells were destroyed during the salvage process and renal dysfunction could result if the blood were reinfused
• Free hemoglobin


  Can be detected using point-of-care instruments such as the HemoCue Plasma/Low Hemoglobin analyser
• Blood Bank Tests


  • Anti – A serum
  • Anti – B, serum
  • Anti – D or Anti Rh serum
• Blood Cultures


  • Confirm the presence of bacteremia, or septicaemia
  • Specifically identifies which bacteria invades the person's blood
  • Correct medication or antibiotic will be given
• Blood Culture Tubes/Bottles Specimen Requirements


  1. 2-4 Specimens from separate venipuncture sites at least an hour apart

  2. Specimens should be collected before the fever spikes, and before antibiotic administration

  3. Cleanse site with 70 to 95% Alcohol, followed by Chlorhexidine or Iodophor scrub. Then, an alcohol is applied

  4. 20 mL (Adults). 1 to 10 ml. (Pediatric)

  5. Clotted Specimens are rejected

  6. Specimens collected using only alcohol as antiseptic should NOT be accepted