Which of the following blood specimen tests are photosensitive and should be protected from light during handling and transport?

Rationale

Bilirubin is a photosensitive blood specimen test that should be protected from light during handling and transport.

Bilirubin is highly sensitive to light, which can cause its degradation and lead to inaccurate test results. Therefore, it is crucial to shield bilirubin samples from light exposure to preserve their integrity.

A (Gastrin) YOUR ANSWER

Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates gastric acid secretion and is not significantly affected by light exposure. Therefore, it does not require any special protection from light during handling and transport, making it a non-photosensitive specimen.

B (Ammonia) YOUR ANSWER

Ammonia levels in blood are not influenced by light; thus, ammonia specimens do not need to be protected from light during transportation. The stability of ammonia in blood samples is maintained without light shielding, distinguishing it from photosensitive tests.

C (Pyruvate) YOUR ANSWER

While pyruvate is an important metabolic marker, it is also not classified as photosensitive. Although certain conditions may affect its stability, light exposure is not a significant concern for pyruvate samples during handling, unlike bilirubin.

D (Bilirubin) CORRECT

Bilirubin is susceptible to photodegradation when exposed to light, resulting in potential inaccuracies in test results. This sensitivity necessitates that bilirubin samples be covered or wrapped in opaque materials to prevent exposure during transport, distinguishing it as a critical photosensitive specimen.

Conclusion

Bilirubin is the only option among the choices that requires protection from light due to its photosensitivity. Understanding which blood tests are affected by light is essential for ensuring accurate laboratory results. Proper handling procedures, such as shielding bilirubin from light, are necessary to maintain sample integrity and reliability in diagnostic testing.

Which of the following blood specimen tests are photosensitive and should be protected from light during handling and transport?

Bilirubin is a photosensitive blood specimen test that should be protected from light during handling and transport.

Related Questions

Related Quizzes

How familiar were you with this question?

Report an Issue

Rate this Practice Test