Specimen Collection

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this chapter, students will be able to:

• Identify at least three reasons for laboratory examination of urine.
• Demonstrate correct collection of the following urine specimens: midstream, 24-hours, fractional, and indwelling urine catheter.
• Explain at least one reason for collecting specimen like sputum, blood or stool.
• Demonstrate correct collection of a stool specimen.
• Demonstrate correct collection of a sputum specimen.

Key Terminology:
Hemoglobine
Hematocrite
Leukocyte
Occult
Stroke
Urinalysis

Specimen Collection:
refers to collecting various specimens (samples), such as, stool, urine, blood and other body fluids or tissues, from the patient for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Various types of specimen collected from the patient in the clinical settings, either in out patient departments (OPD) or in-patient units, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. These includes, stool, urine, blood and other body fluid or tissue specimens.