The pre-analytic testing phase is the first step in the laboratory process. As specimen handling and identification issues can occur at this stage, they need to be properly identified and managed through rigorous control measures or they will travel further downstream. The pre-analitic phase is hence the starting point of the quality process, a guarantee for reliable results.
Cutting pieces of nail with the scissors and sending them for testing is most often ineffective. To take a nail sample:
Herpes simplex sampling Collect the cells from the suspect area of skin or mucous membrane (base of warts, erosions, etc.) with a swab.
Blood culture sampling Use 1 aerobic and 1 anaerobic vials. The vials are made specially for blood culture and are provided by the laboratory.
Various pathogens (bacteria and viruses) can cause respiratory tract infections (Bordetella pertussis, pneumococcus, RSV, Haemophilus influenzae, and others). These are frequent pathologies which are the cause of many consultations. Infants and elderly patients are the most vulnerable. Lower respiratory tract infections include bronchitis or tracheobronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Use a pot containing diluted formalin, provided by the laboratory.
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