Main description:

This fourth, updated edition contains the latest developments in preanalytical knowledge. An international team of authors summarizes the information on biological influences, analytical interferences and on the variables affecting the collection, transport and storage, as well as preparation of samples. In so doing, they cover age, gender, race, pregnancy, diet, exercise and altitude, plus the effects of stimulants and drugs. National and international standards are described for sampling procedures, transport, sample identification and all safety aspects, while quality assurance procedures are shown for total laboratory management. In addition, this practical book is rounded off by a glossary explaining all terms being used. This book is a must-have for everyone involved in patient care and using or performing laboratory tests.

Contents:

Dream and reality - An introductory case - The importance of the preanalytical phase BIOLOGICAL INFLUENCES Something unavoidable - Influences of age, gender, race and pregnancy Changing habits - Influences that can vary (diet, starvation, exercise, altitude) May I take coffee, smoke or drink before blood sampling? - Stimulants and addictive drugs as biological influence factors What if I take herbs? - Effects of herbs on laboratory results COLLECTION OF SPECIMEN When to test? - Timing of sampling Sampling during infusion therapy? - Sequence of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures Sampling in the supine or upright position? - Effects of posture and tourniquet What site for sampling blood? - Phlebotomy, arterial puncture and sampling from catheters Blood from the skin - Capillary sampling Did the lab mix up my sample? - Techniques of sample identification A precious sample - Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) A sample that is nearly always available - Urine and saliva as diagnostic probes Plasma or serum? - Differences to be considered Take a lavender tube! - Additives and colour codes TRANSPORT AND STORAGE Fax me a sample - Effects of time and temperature during transport Samples in transit - Legal standardization for mailing samples How to keep a sample "fresh" - Storage of samples in the laboratory PREPARATION OF SAMPLES FOR ANALYSIS What has to be done on specimen arrival? - Specimen processing, centrifugation, distribution Continuous or batchwise? - Preanalytical workflow and robotics Safety aspects during the preanalytical phase - Disposal of specimens, needles, tubes and chemicals SPECIAL ASPECTS WITH EACH ANALYTE What is needed before blood transfusion? - Special aspects in immuno-haematology Why a separate tube for the coagulation test? - Special aspects in haemostaseology Blood cells are sensitive! - Special aspects in haematological analysis Everything from a drop of blood? - Special aspects in clinical chemistry Special tubes for hormones and proteomics? - Preanalytical factors in immunoassays Blood cells can provide important information - Special aspects in cellular analysis How to handle genes - Special aspects in molecular biology When gases evaporate - Special aspects for blood gases and ionized calcium The right time for drugs? - Special aspects in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) Bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses - Special aspects in microbiology ENDOGENOUS AND EXOGENOUS INTERFERENCES Can turbid samples be used? - Effects of lipaemia A difficult case - Pitfalls with endogenous antibodies The serum sample looks reddish - Effects of haemolysis Does the laboratory have to know all my drugs? - Mechanisms and treatment of drug interference Everything under control? - Quality assurance in the preanalytical phase References Glossary Index