How to choose a sampling container for physical examination

The sampling container for physical examination should be selected according to the type of testing item. Common containers include vacuum blood collection tubes, sterile urine cups, fecal collection boxes, sputum collectors, specialized swabs, etc.

1. Vacuum blood collection tube

Vacuum blood collection tube is mainly used for blood sample collection, and the color of the tube cover distinguishes the type of additive. The red cap contains no additives for biochemical testing, the purple cap contains ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid for blood routine testing, and the green cap contains heparin sodium for coagulation function testing. Pre set vacuum in the blood collection tube can accurately control the amount of blood collected, avoiding human error. Before use, it is necessary to verify whether the label information matches the testing items to prevent sample contamination or failure.

2. Sterile Urine Cup

The sterile urine cup is suitable for urine routine testing, urine culture testing, etc. It is made of medical grade polyethylene material. The diameter of the cup mouth should be at least 5 centimeters for easy sample collection, and the capacity is generally 50-100 milliliters. When collecting mid morning urine, attention should be paid to the sterile and sealed state of the cup body, and it should be sent for testing within 2 hours after sampling. Special tests such as 24-hour urine protein quantification require a 4-liter dark urine collection bucket.

3. Fecal Collection Box

The fecal collection box contains a sampling key and preservation solution, suitable for occult blood tests, parasite screening, etc. The box should have a leak proof design, and the storage solution should be able to maintain sample stability. When sampling, it is necessary to select a portion of mucus or pus that is about the size of a soybean. The detection of Clostridium difficile toxin requires a dedicated anaerobic transport tank, while genetic testing requires the use of DNA stabilizer tubes.

4. Sputum collector

Sputum collector is used for tuberculosis bacterial culture, cytological examination, etc., and a wide mouthed anti reflux design container should be selected. The amount of sputum produced by deep coughing in the morning should reach 3-5 milliliters to avoid mixing with saliva. Bacteriological testing should be collected before antibacterial treatment using sterile screw cap containers. Molecular testing requires the use of nucleic acid protectants to prevent RNA degradation.

5. Specialized swab

Virus sampling swab is used for collecting nasopharyngeal swabs, cervical exfoliated cells, etc. The swab head should be made of polyester fiber or artificial silk material. Nucleic acid testing requires virus preservation solution, and bacterial culture requires the use of transport swabs containing Amies medium. When collecting, avoid touching other parts and pay attention to biological safety protection when breaking the swab rod.

When selecting a container, it is necessary to confirm the specific requirements of the testing agency, verify the sterilization validity period and leak proof performance of the container. Special projects such as heavy metal testing require the use of acid washed containers, while genetic testing requires low-temperature transport pipes. Clean hands before sampling but avoid disinfectant residue. After sample collection, promptly attach labels indicating personal information and sampling time. Suitable temperature should be maintained during transportation, and bacterial culture samples should be delivered to the laboratory within 4 hours.